/internal/media/dispatcher/1114805/resize%25253Aformat%25253DthumbnailOil flask (aryballos) in the shape of male genitals with a bull's head in reliefabout 520–500 B.C.Overall: 11.5 x 8.5 cm (4 1/2 x 3 3/8 in.)Ceramic, Black Figure and black patternCatharine Page Perkins Fund95.551This fragmentary Attic vase is an aidoion, an oil vase (aryballos) in the shape of male genitals. Only the scrotum is preserved; the broken off penis, lost around the time of its acquisition, projected from the round hole from the front of the vessel. Such vessels held the oils used by Greek male athletes who carried them suspended from their wrists by a leather thong. On the back of the scrotum modelled in relief is the head of a long horned bull. Meander and other decorations are painted in black. Delicate incsions on the ox's face indicate fur.
Vessels11.500000000015356501