Object Image

Terracotta cinerary urn

Unknown Artist

The container depicts a fantastic head with bovine ears and wearing a Phrygian cap with wings. This soft, cloth cap was worn by the people of ancient Phrygia (modern central Turkey). Certain divinities, including Castor and Pollux, and heroes, including Paris, as well as Amazons, are often depicted wearing it. Other examples of this subject, made from the same mold, come from Chiusi, the likely site of manufacture for the entire group. The dedicatory inscription in red paint is too poorly preserved to read.

Credit: Purchase, 1896

2nd century B.C.
Terracotta
43.8 x 43.8cm
96.9.221a, b
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019

Where you'll find this

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection