Roman Period Vessel in the Form of a Stylized Animal, 100 CE - 300 CE
Terracotta
2.5 x 4.5 x 5
P.0447
Further images
Though it is difficult to say exactly what kind of animal this is--a donkey, horse or perhaps a sheep--there is no denying its wide-eyed charm. When the empire of Rome...
Though it is difficult to say exactly what kind of animal this is--a donkey, horse or perhaps a sheep--there is no denying its wide-eyed charm. When the empire of Rome was at its height, its plump body contained some commodity like fine oil or wine. It is possible the vessel was used as a votive offering to the gods, the zoomorphic shape standing in place of a live animal. We are captivated by the naive yet lively rendering, a quality that must have delighted its original owners centuries ago.
Literature
V1