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Libation bowl
Greek
Hellenistic Period
3rd century B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Attica, Athens
Medium/Technique
Ceramic
Dimensions
6.2 cm (2 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bartlett Collection—Museum purchase with funds from the Francis Bartlett Donation of 1900
Accession Number03.803
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
DescriptionIn interior Medusa head at center of four-petalled flower. Around it zones of impressed and painted patterns, white, red, and yellow.
Label text:
Black glazed ceramic painted in the "West Slope" technique
Such bowls were used to pour out a drink for gods or heroes. The sacrificial purpose is stressed by the bulls' skulls embellished with ribbons. The head of the monster Medusa, whose glance turned men to stone, would magically ward off evil spirits.
Label text:
Black glazed ceramic painted in the "West Slope" technique
Such bowls were used to pour out a drink for gods or heroes. The sacrificial purpose is stressed by the bulls' skulls embellished with ribbons. The head of the monster Medusa, whose glance turned men to stone, would magically ward off evil spirits.
ProvenanceBy 1903: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records: Bought in London: from old collection.); purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren, March 24, 1903