Askos (oil flask) in the form of a bird
Askos (oil flask) in the form of a bird
Datelate 8th century BCE
Mediumceramic
Dimensionsobject: 5 3/4 × 6 1/2 × 3 in. (14.6 × 16.5 × 7.6 cm)
ClassificationMATERIAL CULTURE
Credit LineSBMA, Gift of Robert M. Light and Donald Outerbridge
Object number1998.67.2
Subject(s)
- animal
- bird
Collection
- Antiquity
Sub-Collection(s)
- Greek
On View
Not on viewCollections
Label TextSmall vessels like this have been found in tombs from both ancient Greece and Italy. They come in a variety of shapes, including different animals and birds, and were used to hold small amounts of oil, possibly used for refilling oil lamps. A series of repeated patterns fill the entire surface of the object, contrasting the painted straight lines and corners with its rounded form. It has been suggested that this geometric style of decoration was inspired by patterns used in woven fabrics. Since weaving was associated with women in ancient Greek society, it is possible that this bird vessel was painted by a woman. A type of scientific analysis called thermoluminescence testing has indicated that this object was created roughly 2700 years ago.
