Daunian Olla with a Stylized Bulls Head Handles

Culture: Daunian

Period: 550-450 B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 20.1 cm high, 22.1 cm in diameter

Price: Sold

Ref: 4233

Provenance: French private collection, acquired on 6 June 1986 from Patrice Laporte in Paris. With a copy of the invoice.

Condition: Intact with wonderfully preserved colours.

Description: Magnificently preserved Daunian olla with stylized bull head handles. The vessel with a far protruding funnel spout stands on a flattened base and is abundantly painted with red and dark brown colours. Striking are the two bull head protomes, which emerge crescent-shaped from the body and have a triangular protruding nose. The heads are painted in red and have round dotted eyes. On the sides semi-circular stirrup handles arise, which almost reach to the funnel rim. The body is decorated with geometric decoration, amongst them encircling bands, dots and lines. In the funnel, seen from above, garlands, which curve to the opening. See for the type: Jacques Chamay “The Art of the Italic Peoples. From 3000-30 B.C.”, Geneva 1993, p. 316-317, no. 207. Ollas were used to pickle in pre-Roman times fruit and fish, as well as to produce sour milk. Among the Daunians they were also used as urns.