Tabula ansata


A tabula ansata or tabella ansata is a tablet with dovetail handles. It was a favorite form for votive tablets in Imperial Rome.

Overview

Tabulae ansatae identifying soldiers' units have been found on the tegimenta of shields, for example in Vindonissa. Sculptural evidence, for example on the metopes from the Tropaeum Traiani, shows that they were also used for the
same purpose on the shields.

Modern era

Tabulae ansatae have been used by modern artists from as early as the 15th century, as shown on the tomb of Charles, Count of Maine, attributed to Francesco Laurana, in Le Mans Cathedral.
The Statue of Liberty by sculptor Auguste Bartholdi is holding one such tablet on which "July 4th 1776" is inscribed using Roman numerals.

Gallery

Footnotes