Genius/ Daemon Bone (Lararium)

This small bone color statue is the perfect size for your Lararium, altar, shrine, or sacred space! (The statue in the photos shows our first printing prototype and yours will be even better so no worries about lines or imperfections as we have perfected the print). In Roman culture, a genius is a semi-divine spirit believed to inhabit every person, place, and thing, akin to a guardian angel. It accompanies individuals throughout life, offering guidance and warnings. Following death, the genius is thought to remain underground, protecting the deceased’s family. The term “genius,” derived from Latin, signifies “generator” or “father.” Depicted as winged beings in art, they often appear on Roman monuments as young men in togas, holding a patera or cornucopia, with covered heads. The genius of a location is symbolized by a serpent consuming fruit. The female counterpart to a genius is Junona (iuno). In private worship, the genius of the housefather and the iuno of the housemother were revered. Men honored their genius as sanctus et sanctissimus deus, particularly on their birthdays, offering libations of wine, incense, and floral garlands. The Romans derived their concept of genii from the Etruscans, who, in turn, received it from the Greeks, both of whom referred to these spirits as daemons. Only through them can you transmit piety to the gods by making offerings to obtain a just and good life, ultimately gaining wisdom and knowledge to pursue righteousness and goodness in life.