Terracotta askos (flask with a spout) in the form of a cock
Askoi shaped like animals were commonly used as lamp fillers; the oil was introduced into the askos via the small inlet off to the side, and was then poured out through a tiny hole under the beak into the lamp in a smooth and controlled stream. Although Magenta ware is believed to have been made across the Graeco-Roman world, the prevalence with which animal-shaped askoi have been found in Italy suggests an Italic origin for this piece as well.
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