Mesopotamian. <em>Wheeled Ram-Headed Vessel</em>, second half 3rd millenium B.C.E. Terracotta, 9 x 4 x 9 in. (22.9 x 10.2 x 22.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by Shelby White, 87.77. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 87.77_threequarter_right_PS2.jpg)

Mesopotamian. Wheeled Ram-Headed Vessel, second half 3rd millenium B.C.E. Terracotta, 9 x 4 x 9 in. (22.9 x 10.2 x 22.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by Shelby White, 87.77. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 87.77_threequarter_right_PS2.jpg)

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Wheeled Ram-Headed Vessel

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Animal-shaped pottery vessels mounted on oversized wheels had a long history in the ancient Middle East. This early example has the head of a ram with curving horns. Liquid poured into the hole on top flowed out of the opening in the animal’s snout. A loop on the front allowed the attachment of a cord so that the vessel could be pulled. Such vessels have been excavated in both temples and houses. They were probably used in religious or funerary rituals.

CULTURE Mesopotamian

MEDIUM Terracotta

Possible Place Made: Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq, Turkey, & Syria)

DATES second half 3rd millenium B.C.E.

PERIOD Early Dynastic III Period, or later

DIMENSIONS 9 x 4 x 9 in. (22.9 x 10.2 x 22.9 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 87.77

CREDIT LINE Purchased with funds given by Shelby White

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION Mesopotamian. Wheeled Ram-Headed Vessel, second half 3rd millenium B.C.E. Terracotta, 9 x 4 x 9 in. (22.9 x 10.2 x 22.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by Shelby White, 87.77. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 87.77_threequarter_right_PS2.jpg)

IMAGE 87.77_threequarter_right_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2009

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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