ITEM: Jug in the form of a head
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 128 mm x 53 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired between 1970 - 1980

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Roman jugs in the form of heads, often referred to as "head-shaped jugs," are unique and striking examples of Roman pottery that blend functionality with artistic expression. These jugs, typically made of terracotta or ceramic, feature the form of a human or animal head as the vessel's main body, with the spout often emerging from the mouth or other part of the face. The heads represented in these jugs were often modeled after gods, mythological figures, or even real individuals, and they are notable for their level of detail and craftsmanship. The use of head-shaped jugs likely had both practical and symbolic purposes, as they were used in everyday life for storing liquids such as wine, water, or oil, while also serving as decorative and culturally significant objects.

The human heads on these jugs often depicted a range of figures from Roman society and mythology. Common representations included gods like Bacchus (Dionysus), the god of wine, who was often depicted in a jovial or celebratory manner, reflecting the association between wine and divine favor. Other jugs might feature stylized depictions of women, military leaders, or mythological creatures like Satyrs or Pan. These human or semi-human features imbued the vessel with more than just practical use; the jugs served as a visual connection to the gods, divine protection, or status. The connection between the head and the content of the jug was significant, as it symbolized the connection between life, nourishment, and the divine realm, making these items both functional and symbolic.