Recumbent Animal on Grater or Scraper

An emaciated bull (or perhaps goat) lying on the ground, his legs tucked under in a resting position, may constitute a handle for this unusual object-likely a grater or scraper, judging from the perforated metal plate on its underside. The anatomically curious ridges across the neck and torso of the animal, as well as the large horned head turned perpendicular to the body, may have helped the owner grip the object while in use.

Credit: Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund