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Faience aryballos (oil flask) in the form of a head wearing an animal skin

6th century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171
This unusual vase shows a human head of which all but the area of the eyes, nose, and mouth is enclosed in the head of an animal. The softness of the pelt is indicated by the way in which it tightly fits the human head. The small ears and spots are further animal attributes. It is difficult to identify the figure. It may possibly be a very Egyptianized interpretation of Herakles wearing the lion skin.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Faience aryballos (oil flask) in the form of a head wearing an animal skin
  • Period: Archaic
  • Date: 6th century BCE
  • Culture: East Greek
  • Medium: Faience
  • Dimensions: H.: 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)
  • Classification: Miscellaneous-Faience
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1941
  • Object Number: 41.162.120
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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