Etruscan Terracotta Askos in the Form of a Rooster in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, January 2018

Terracotta askos (flask) in the form of a rooster
4th century B.C.


Object Details

Title: Terracotta askos (flask) in the form of a rooster

Period: Late Classical

Date: 4th century B.C.

Culture: Etruscan

Medium: Terracotta

Dimensions: H. 7 3/8 in. (18.7 cm)

Classification: Vases

Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1929

Accession Number: 29.131.5


The Etruscans produced numerous askoi in the shape of ducks, but askoi in the shape of other birds are quite rare. Only one other rooster-shaped example is known, almost identical to this one. The askos in the form of a jackdaw (Corvus monedula), a Eurasian bird similar to a small crow, is the only one known. It is adorned with a protective bulla (amulet) necklace of the type usually worn by Etruscan children and must represent someone's favorite pet.


Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/253032