Trajan performs the sacrifice capite velato, with a fold of his toga drawn over his head. This was a characteristic Roman ritual practice that visually marked the person conducting the ceremony. Here, Trajan appears not only as commander of the army, but also as the principal officiant responsible for the religious rite.

Trajan holds a shallow patera, a vessel commonly associated with Roman religious ceremonies. It could be used to pour wine or another liquid offering during sacrifice. Its prominent position in the scene reinforces Trajan’s active role in conducting the ritual rather than simply observing the ceremony.

A musician accompanies the ceremony with the Roman tuba, a long, straight metal trumpet capable of producing powerful, carrying notes. Although strongly associated with military signalling, the instrument also appeared in public and religious ceremonies, connecting the ritual atmosphere of the sacrifice with the army gathered around Trajan.

Many participants wear leafy wreaths, probably of laurel or similar sacred foliage. Such crowns were closely associated with Roman religious ceremonies, festivals and acts of sacrifice. In the scene they visually distinguish those taking part in the ritual and help transform the military gathering into a formally sacred event.

An attendant carries what appears to be a small loaf or cake-like offering. Grain products played an important role in Roman religious practice and could accompany animal sacrifice in different forms. The relief does not preserve enough detail to identify the preparation precisely, so its exact composition remains uncertain.