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Oinochoe in the form of a woman's head

ca. 500–450 BC
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 157
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
Vases in the form of a mold-made head appear predominately as vessels used for pouring and drinking wine. They may have been used in the symposium, a private drinking party for male citizens. The most common examples take the form of a female head, and women were frequently present at symposia as servers or entertainers. Although made in Athens, head vases were also exported around the Mediterranean world.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title:
    Oinochoe in the form of a woman's head
  • Artist:
    Class S: The Canessa Class of Head Vases
  • Date:
    ca. 500–450 BC
  • Culture:
    Greek
  • Medium:
    Terracotta
  • Dimensions:
    6 5/16 in. (16 cm)
  • Classification:
    Vases
  • Credit Line:
    Lent by Hiram Carruthers Butler and Andrew Spindler-Roesle
  • Object Number:
    L.2022.35
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art