Fig. 498. Œnochoê, decorated with zoophori, or bands of animals.
Fig. 498 a. Œnochoê, or Wine-jug, in black glazed earthenware.
Œnochoê (Gr. οἶνος, wine, and χέω, to pour). An earthen vase used to take the wine out of the crater and distribute it into cups. It is the vase carried by the goddesses, and used for libations. (Figs. 498, 498 a.)
Œnophorum, Gr. and R. (οἰνοφόρον). A light case or basket for carrying wine.
Œnopolium, Gr. and R. (οἰνοπώλιον). The shop of a dealer who sold wine to be carried away; distinct from the taberna meritoria or deversoria, which was a public tavern.
Offendix, R. A string by which the apex, or cap worn by the flamens, Salians, or other members of priestly colleges, was fastened under the chin.
Offertoria, Chr. (1) The anthems sung in a Christian church while the oblations were received; mentioned by Isidorus, A. D. 595: “Offertoria quæ in sacrificiorum honore canuntur.” (2) Large plates, which, in the Christian churches of Gaul, served to collect the bread which the Christians had just laid on the altar. A beautiful specimen of such dishes, found in Siberia in 1867, and described by Rossi, is 6 inches in diameter, and weighs 1½ lbs. It has a relief in repoussé work, consisting of a cross planted on a small globe studded with stars, beneath which issue the four rivers of Paradise; and on either side stand two nimbed angels, holding a rod in the left hand, and raising their right hand towards the cross in token of adoration. De Rossi regards this dish as the work of Byzantine goldsmiths of the 6th century. (3) At Rome, acolytes went in and out among the people, and collected the offerings in napkins of line linen or richer material called also offertoria.
Offertories, in Egyptian archæology, are offerings made to the gods, of various shapes; such as outstretched hands supporting a cup, or spoons of ivory, wood, or bronze, the handle of which is formed by a human figure.
Officina, R. A workshop, in contradistinction to taberna, a store, and apotheca, a shop; thus, officina ærariorum was a goldsmith’s workshop; officina fullonum, a fuller’s establishment.