What does 'imagines' refer to in the context of Roman cultural practices?

In the context of Roman cultural practices, 'imagines' refers specifically to wax masks of ancestors that were created as part of funerary traditions and ancestor veneration. These masks served an important function in the context of the Roman family and social structure, as they were used during funeral processions and celebrations of the deceased's life. Families would display these masks in their homes to honor their ancestors and maintain connections to their heritage, reinforcing familial pride and social status within the community.

The other options do not align with the term 'imagines.' The columned garden courtyard, known as a 'peristylium,' was a common feature in Roman domus architecture, but it does not relate to ancestor worship. The dining room, or 'triclinium,' was the space for communal dining, playing an important role in social gatherings but again lacking the direct connection to ancestor imagery. Lastly, pools that collected rainwater, or 'impluvium,' are architectural elements of Roman houses designed for practical purposes, not for the representation of ancestors. Thus, wax masks as 'imagines' encapsulate the essence of honoring familial lineage and memory in Roman culture.