Though it is difficult to say exactly what kind of animal this is--a donkey, horse or perhaps a sheep--there is no denying its wide-eyed charm. When the empire of Rome was at its height, its plump body contained some commodity like fine oil or wine. It is possible the vessel was used as a votive offering to the gods, the zoomorphic shape standing in place of a live animal. We are captivated by the naive yet lively rendering, a quality that must have delighted its original owners centuries ago. - (P.0447)
Antiquities Ancient Roman
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