Oscilla

By Crusader1307

The term ''Oscilla'' had Late Greek Antiquity and Early Roman origins. Meaning ''Little Face'', these were stone and later metal carvings of small Human Faces (later Fugures), which were used as offerings to The Gods. It is assumed that these were ''substitute Flesh Offerings'' – without the need to actually ''slaughter'' a Living Human. Sometimes, actual castings of Living People were used, seen as a means of currying favor with a particular God or Goddess. Later, Oscilla were incorporated into Shrines and Temples. It was considered somewhat ''Bad Luck'' to have an Oscilla placed at a Family (Home) Altar. During Rome's Imperial Era, Oscilla was found as a type of ''Protection'' for cremated remains (containers, urns, etc).