Loading
Rhyton in the form of a Zebu bull
Unknownca. 1000-800 B.C.
Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
Indianapolis, United States
Details
- Title: Rhyton in the form of a Zebu bull
- Creator: Unknown
- Date Created: ca. 1000-800 B.C.
- Type: vessels
- Rights: Gift of Grain Dealers Mutual Insurance Co.
- External Link: http://www.imamuseum.org/mercury/load-artwork/356
- Medium: earthenware
- wall label: The Zebu is a bull native to the Indus Valley, in what is now India and Pakistan.ÿÿMany theriomorphic (animal-shaped) drinking vessels of this sort have been found in the Gilan province of northwestern Iran.ÿThe Elamite civilization spanned Mesopotamia, Persia and Babylonia, and there was constant contact between the civilizations.ÿThe rhyton may be related to the Persianÿcult of Mithras, whichÿinvolved the sacrifice of bulls as tribute to this sun god.ÿÿAccording to mythology, Mithras battled the Bull of Heaven, an embodiment of the natural world, and as a result of his victoryÿhuman civilizations were granted successful harvests.
- period: Neo-Elamite Period
- measurements: 9 1/2 x 12 1/2 in.
- culture: Persian
Get the app
Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.