Zoomorphic vase depicting zebu
Iran, Gilan, sec. 10th century, b. C.polished chamois earthenware with engraved decoration
Deepening
The vase depicts a stylized zebu with a prominent hump and a long, triangular-sectioned pourer in the center of its horns. The surface of the animal is decorated with small engraved circles. Theriomorphic vases depicting cattle (or similar) are known in northwestern Iran, in the Gilan region. This is pottery of ritual funerary use, referable to the god Teshub, identified by the bull regurgitating the water dispenser of life.