Bear-shaped rhyton

Description

The rhyton is a ritual vessel in the shape of a bear. It is hollow and slipped, with a black and gray polished surface. The bear’s neck is decorated with an engraved ornament reminding of a bead string. There is a cylindrical funnel on the bear’s back, through which the liquid was poured into the vessel and flowed out through the nose and eye holes. The bear was considered a deity, patronizing agriculture and bringing good luck.

Additional information