Unguentariasmall

Unguentariasmall is a coined term used in some online glossaries and hobbyist discussions to denote the small variant of an unguentarium, a glass or ceramic vial used to hold perfumes, cosmetics, or medicaments in antiquity. The term is not established in scholarly nomenclature and rarely appears in academic publications.

Etymology: The word is formed from Latin unguentarium meaning a small jar for unguents, combined with the English word small to indicate a diminutive size. In formal contexts, researchers would typically refer to a “small unguentarium” rather than a fixed compound like unguentariasmall.

Characteristics: Unguentaria were frequently bulbous or teardrop-shaped with narrow necks and stoppers. Small examples tend to measure under 2–3 cm in height, though sizes vary. They were commonly produced across the Hellenistic to Roman periods and made of glass, ceramic, or sometimes metal, used for scented oils, perfumes, or medicinal blends. Residue analysis can reveal organic contents and help identify provenance and chronology.

Archaeological significance: Identification of diminutive unguentaria can aid in understanding ancient trade networks, daily life, and burial practices. Inscriptions or decorative motifs may provide dating clues or indicate regional origins, contributing to typological and contextual frameworks in numismatic and ceramic studies as well.

Contemporary usage: In digital catalogs or museum databases, unguentariasmall might be used as a keyword to tag diminutive unguentaria, but it is not a standardized term and is typically avoided in formal cataloging in favor of precise measurements and classifications.