VANNUS

( λικμός , λίκνον ), a winnowing-van, i.e. a broad basket, into which the corn mixed with chaff was received after thrashing, and was then thrown in the direction of the wind. Virgil dignifies this simple implement by calling it mystic a vannus Iacchi . The rites of Bacchus, as well as those of Ceres, having a continual reference to the occupations of rural life, the vannus was borne in the proce ions celebrated in honour of both these divinities. In the cut annexed the infant Bacchus is carried in a vannus by two dancing bacchantes clothed in skins. IMG:6459379820872971714_ill407.jpg: Bacchus carried in a Vannus. (From an Antefixa in the British Museum.)