1963.26, Ram Rhyton, Northern Iran, Marlik (Amlash), c. 1350-1000 BCE, ceramic

Ram-headed rhytons, or drinking vessels originally based on animal horns, are common in the arts of northern Iran during the Late Bronze Age. Rhytons were first found at Amlash, a tomb site of the Marlik culture found in northern Iran, and can take many different forms, including horses, bulls, camels, monkeys, mountain sheep, and antelopes. The Dallas Museum of Art ceremonial clay drinking cup is related to similar sculptural vessels in bronze, silver, and gold from the Bronze Age and later; the Marlik tombs also included fine metal drinking vessels. The ram's muzzle is extended in a fluid curve to form the spout of the rhyton, and each part of the animal seems to be formed of one continuous curving shape. Curved horns echo the lines of the ram's body, and the tail and eyes are lightly indicated by incised circles.

Anne R. Bromberg, and Karl Kilinski II, Gods, Men, and Heroes: Ancient Art at the Dallas Museum of Art. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1996. 31.

Until 1963: World Antiquities, Ltd, West Yorkshire

From 1963: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, Dallas, Texas, purchased from above [1]

[1] The name of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1933, was changed to the Dallas Museum of Art in 1983

Apply to objects where number equals 1963.26