Lara (2020), PAR, Piazza di Pasquino, Rome IT

The poet Ovid tells us that on 21 February, ancient Romans honoured the dead with offerings during the festival called Feralia. On this day, a ritual remembered Lara, a naiad and goddess of the Underworld, who was the mother of the Lares, the divine protectors of the streets and crossroads of Rome.

Lara was a beautiful freshwater nymph, daughter of the river Almo. She betrayed Jupiter by revealing his intention to seduce her sister Juturna to her and Juno, Jupiter’s wife. In response, Jupiter tore out her tongue, rendering her mute, and condemned her to the Underworld. He ordered Mercury to escort her to her new realm. During the journey, Mercury raped Lara, and from their union, the Lares were born.

Lara is also known by the names Lala (reflecting her talkativeness), Muta (the mute one), Tacita (the silent one). The ritual described by Ovid includes offerings such as three grains of incense, a spindle, seven black beans, a fish head, and some wine.

Photo Nilen Figà