Caryatid Tripod Vessel, 500 CE - 1000 CE
Terracotta
19
PF.3756
Further images
Three massive hollow rattle legs, each with an applied seated male support the round-bottomed cup-shaped bowl. Its tall neck curves out slightly at the mouth rim. On the main part...
Three massive hollow rattle legs, each with an applied seated male support the round-bottomed cup-shaped bowl. Its tall neck curves out slightly at the mouth rim. On the main part of the design is an appliquéd geometric design. Each male figure on the vessel has similar features as well as a similar task, to hold and possibly protect the vessel and its contents. The men seem to be dressed in a traditional way, which includes an elaborate headpiece. Each man has one hand on his knee and the other hand on the vessel itself. The eyes are large and expressive and the mouth is slightly ajar. On each caryatid, the nipples and the ears are pierced. Though the decoration and the color are kept to a minimum, the beauty of the structure as a whole creates a sense of great originality and uniqueness to the vessel.
Literature
V18