Head of a satyr for attachment to a jug
Satyr masks like this one were affixed to the inside rim of elaborate wine jugs (oinochoai) where the handle reached the rim. At the lower end of the handle on the body of the vessel were affixed heads of Silens, the old drinking man who accompanied Dionysus. The authoritative study on Ptolemaic oinochoai notes that the two made an effective pair: the Satyr's eager face invites drinking, and the Silen's benevolent appearance suggested the satisfaction of having drunk.
Other fragments of such wine jugs in the collection preserve the relief images of queens that decorated their sides (26.7.1016 and 26.7.1017).
Other fragments of such wine jugs in the collection preserve the relief images of queens that decorated their sides (26.7.1016 and 26.7.1017).
Artwork Details
- Title: Head of a satyr for attachment to a jug
- Period: Ptolemaic Period
- Reign: reign of Ptolemy III and reign of Berenike II
- Date: 246–221 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Faience
- Dimensions: h. 5.2 cm (2 1/16 in.) × w. 3.6 cm (1 7/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Gift of Peter Sharrer, 1986
- Object Number: 1986.456.2
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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4th century B.C.
360–343 BCE
ca. 872–664 BCE
664–525 BCE
332–30 BCE
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