An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology / Explaining terms frequently used in works on architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, decoration, devices, emblems, heraldry, lace, personal ornaments, pottery, painting, sculpture, &c., with their derivations.

by John W. Mollett

Vomitoria, R. (vomo, to discharge). Doors in a theatre or amphitheatre opening on the corridors of the building, or on to the scalæ leading into the cavea. Fig. [695] represents a vomitorium (restored) in the Coliseum or Flavian amphitheatre, at Rome.

Votive Tablets. Sculptured representations of parts of the body affected with disease, offered to the gods, either in gratitude or propitiation. The superstition introduced by the ancient Egyptians has survived all religious revolutions, and survives in Roman Catholic countries at the present day. Wilkinson says:—

“After the cure of a disease was effected they (the ancient Egyptians) frequently suspended a model of the restored part in the temple of the god whose interposition they had invoked, precisely in the same manner as in the sheikh’s tombs in modern Egypt, and in the Roman Catholic chapels of Italy and other countries, consecrated to the Virgin or a saint; and ears, eyes, distorted arms and other members were dedicated as memorials of their gratitude and superstition.” (Ancient Egyptians.)

Voulge. (See Langue-de-Bœuf.)

Voussoir, Arch. A French term for the wedge-shaped stones (ring-stones) of which an arch is composed.

Vulcanalia. Roman festivals to Vulcan, celebrated with games in the Flaminian circus on the 23rd August. The sacrifices were of fishes, which the people threw into the fire; and it was the custom to commence the work of the day by candle-light, in honour of the god of fire.

Vulned, Her. Wounded or bleeding. The pelican in its piety (Fig. [531]) is described as vulning herself.

Vulture, Egyp. Among the Egyptians, the vulture is the symbol of maternity, and accordingly a representation of it served to write the word mother, and the name of the goddess Maut.

Vulture Feathers. Largely used for making artificial flowers; the feathers of species of accipitres imported from Bombay.

Vulturius, Vulture, R. A throw at dice. It is not known how many points made up a vulture, but it is clear from certain authors that it was a bad throw, although not so bad as the canis or dog.