Situla

Bronze bell-shaped bucket (known by its Latin name as a "situla") with cast handles and base. The handles are articulated and attached to links integral with the rim, while exactly below is an intricate incised vegetal motif that follows the profile of the vessel. As we learn from ancient sources and representations on 4th c. BC Attic and South Italian vases, situlae were used for carrying wine and water. No doubt, metal examples with slender profiles and lavish decoration like this one belonged to affluent members of society or even the aristocratic class. Similar vessels have been found in important Macedonian tombs, as well as in Etruria, South Italy, the Balkans, the Black Sea and Asia Minor. Formerly Etruria or South Italy were considered as possible centres of production. However, the large number of finds from Macedonia, Thrace and Thessaly (from which this example comes) suggests that a workshop existed also in northern Greece, most probably within the territory of Macedonia.