Vase in the form of a head of Acheloos

ca. 550–525 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171
Acheloos was a river god who was able to transform himself into different shapes such as a bull or a serpent. This idea probably reflects the capacity of water to assume various forms and produce various sounds.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Vase in the form of a head of Acheloos
  • Period: Archaic
  • Date: ca. 550–525 BCE
  • Culture: East Greek
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: Other: 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
  • Classification: Vases
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1906
  • Object Number: 06.1021.33
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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