Close-up of a ram’s head situla.
Phrygian, late 8th century B.C. Excavated from the Big Tumulus in Gordion.
Bronze, 22 cm height. Diameter (rim) 12 cm.
A hammered vessel of outer and inner pieces, folded together at the rim.

Situla, from the Latin for bucket or pail, is a term for a variety of elaborate bucket-shaped vessels from the Iron Age to the Middle Ages, usually with a handle at the top. Typically Iron Age situlas are bronze, and a type of libation vessel. (Libation: the ceremonial pouring of fluid, to honor a god and/or obtain his favor).

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Source: ‘Land of Civilizations, Turkey’ – Catalogue of the Fukuoka Exhibition (Japan), 1985