Syro-Hittite Terracotta Fragment of a Bull-Shaped Vessel

£ 95.00

A finely moulded Syro-Hittite terracotta fragment of a bull head that once belonged to a pouring vessel possibly designated as BIBRU. This refers to a certain type of zoomorphic-formed ritual vessels which feature a tubular-shaped nose that connects to another opening conventionally sculpted on their backs.  The bull’s mouth and nose are shaped into a long, tubular opening. The animal has prominent facial features, including two exaggerated eyes which are further decorated with circled incisions. 

Date: Circa 2000-1800 BC
Condition: Fine condition, signs of erosion remain visible.

SOLD

SKU: HL-189 Category: Tags: ,

The Neo-Hittite civilisation, also known as Syro-Hittite, existed during the Iron Age in northern Syria and Southern Anatolia. The Hittite empire collapsed around 1180 BC: it was followed by the decline of the Eastern Mediterranean trade networks, and the fall of the major late Bronze Age cities in the Levant, Anatolia, and the Aegean. BIBRÛ vessels usually display a prominent spout on the animal’s back and a secondary tubular opening on the animal’s mouth. BIBRÛ was first recorded in Hittite literature, having been employed as a ritual pouring vessel and used in Hittite elite drinking contexts.

Weight 72 g
Dimensions W 5.5 x H 5.3 cm
Culture

Pottery and Porcelain

Region

You may also like…