Etruscan Bucchero Terracotta Focolare with Utensils in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sept. 2007

Terracotta focolare (offering tray) with utensils
Etruscan, bucchero pesante, ca. 550-500 BC

Accession # 96.9.145a-i

Large rectangular or circular offering trays made of bucchero are typical tomb gifts in the Chiusi region. Normally, they contain a variety of small vessels, spoons, spatulas, palettes, and other utensils that may be associated with the preparation of food or cosmetics. Some scholars have suggested that these items imitate, on a miniature scale, the more expensive banquet sets in bronze or silver.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.