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

Unknown

6th century BCE · Faience · Greek and Roman Art

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

6th century BCE

Medium

Faience

Culture

East Greek

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1941