Polybius (6.53) describes the ritual significance behind early Roman portrait-sculpture used in aristocratic burial ceremonies:

The portrait is attention being paid to preserving a likeness in regard to both shape and contour. Displaying these portraits at public sacifices, they honor them zealously,and when a prominet member of the family dies, they carry them in the funeral procession, putting them on those who seem most like [the deceased] in size and build ... The men so dressed also wore the togas and carried the-insignia of the magistracies which had been held by the person whom they were impersonating. One this for a young man who was in love with fame and goodness. For is there anyone who would not be edified by seeing these portraits of men who were renowed for their excellence and by having them all present as if they were living...