Ancient Body Parts (Centrale Montemartini Museo)

Muse (Centrale Montemartini Museo)

Isis, Late Hellenistic, probably Ptolemaic Princess dressed as Isis (Centrale Montemartini)

Fish Mosaic, Palazzo Massimo Museo

More Hairstyles of the Rich and Famous (Palazzo Massimo Museo)

Hairstyles of the Rich and Famous (Palazzo Massimo Museo)

Hairstyles make the woman (or man) in the ancient Rome. The dating of statuary relies primarily on hairstyles made popular by the emperor's wife or mother.

Isis Priestess Funerary Stele, Palazzo Massimo Museo, Roma

This funerary stele from 40 C.E. shows a couple on the left and a priestess of Isis on the right. Although she is without the Isis "knot" there are two other indicators of her status - the sistula or rattle (on her right) and an offering plate (round) on her left. Note that the priestess is turned slightly toward the woman and that the couple are ever so slightly turned toward her.