Cockleshell Aryballos (Underside)

Three terracotta shells form the body of this Greek aryballos. The shells imitate the form of the edible cockle (Cardium edule). The unknown potter carefully reproduced the radial ridging of the shells and the thin stripes of color across the white surface. On this vessel, the shells were formed in molds, and then joined at their tops onto a short neck and wheel-made mouth before firing. Originally, three small handles connected the bodies of the shells with the broad, spreading mouth of the vessel, but one is now missing.

An aryballos was a vessel designed to hold small quantities of perfumed oil. Greek potters often gave this type of vase a representational, almost sculptural form. The idea for creating a shell-shaped terracotta vessel may derive from containers made from real shells. Archaeologists have found shells outfitted with hinges and clasps in order to serve as containers for small items.