Terracotta Askos in the Form of a Bull in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, November 2010

Title: Terracotta askos (flask with a spout) in the form of a bull

Medium; Technique: Terracotta; Magenta Ware

Culture: Italic

Period: Hellenistic

Date: 2nd half of 3rd century B.C.

Dimensions: h. 4 1/4 in (10.7 cm); w. 4 3/8 in (11 cm.)

Classification: Vases

Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1907

Accession Number: 07.286.131


Description:

Askoi were used to store and dispense oil and thus were employed in variety of domestic and sacro-religious contexts. A clue to the use of this specific vessel, however, may lie in the wreath encircling the head of the bull below its horns. Since animals to be sacrificed during religious rites were often crowned in this way, perhaps this particular askos was intended for use in such a ritual.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/Works_of_Art/collection_database/greek_...