Terracotta vase in the form of a bull's head

Unknown

ca. 1450–1400 BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

This vase is a type of rhyton, or libation vase. The offering was poured through the hole in the animal's muzzle. The vase was filled either by immersion in a large container or through the hole on the head. Using the principle of the siphon, liquid would not flow out as long as the opening at the top was closed with the thumb.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1450–1400 BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Minoan

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of Alastair Bradley Martin, 1973