Rhyton in form of boar's head
Date: 340-330 BCE
Dimensions:
H: 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm); Diam. of rim: 4 5/16 in. (11 cm)
Medium: molded and wheel-thrown earthenware with slip-incised decoration
Place of Origin: Greece, Southern Italy, Apulia, Taranto
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey and the Latin Students of Donnell Jr. High School
Object number: 1988.39
Label Text:This drinking vessel was made in two sections, with the lower section molded into the head of a boar and the upper section turned on a potter’s wheel. White slip (clay diluted with water) was added to make the fiercely realistic tusks and saliva, teeth, whiskers, and eyes.
Rhyta in the form of animals were popular drinking vessels in ancient Greece. Used for men’s drinking parties, they may refer to the hunting of wild animals by mythical heroes such as Herakles (Hercules). In the city of Tarentum where this cup was made, rhyta were not for daily use but were offerings for tombs, so that the deceased could take part in unending banquets.
Rhyta in the form of animals were popular drinking vessels in ancient Greece. Used for men’s drinking parties, they may refer to the hunting of wild animals by mythical heroes such as Herakles (Hercules). In the city of Tarentum where this cup was made, rhyta were not for daily use but were offerings for tombs, so that the deceased could take part in unending banquets.
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