Terracotta askos (flask with a spout) in the form of a bull

Italic

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171

Askoi were used to store and dispense oil and thus were employed in variety of domestic and sacro-religious contexts. A clue to the use of this specific vessel, however, may lie in the wreath encircling the head of the bull below its horns. Since animals to be sacrificed during religious rites were often crowned in this way, perhaps this particular askos was intended for use in such a ritual.

Terracotta askos (flask with a spout) in the form of a bull, Terracotta, Italic

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