Selected works

ANCIENT ART: IRAN _ AMLASH

Ram-shaped askos

Ram-shaped askos, Acq. no. 110.006.0007
© Stiftung DKM | Photo: SDKM

Iran _ Amlash
Gilan civilisation, 1250 – 800 BCE
Brownish-red baked clay
31.2 x 9.0 x 22.0 cm LWH
Intact, calcium carbonate deposits on the surface


This ram-shaped offering vessel is stylised in the same manner as the zebu vessels. The ram’s similarity to the zebu is especially noticeable here because it too has a prominent fat hump pointed towards the rear. The bloated body parts are powerfully and dynamically shaped, and seamlessly merge with each other. As usual, the legs are short and thickset, and are admirably attached to the trunk. The animal’s head is worked to form a beaked spout; the horns are turned forwards. The ram’s chest and tail are decorated with a long, notched ridge.

Several ram vessels are known from the necropolis at Marlik, but they do not have a fat hump. Interestingly, these all originate from grave no. 36. Examples with a single albeit small fat hump are at any rate documented in the literature.

Like the bull, the ram was considered a fertility symbol and a symbol of sexual potency in the Near East. Goats and sheep, on the other hand, were seen as lesser sacrificial animals and were therefore only rarely depicted. At least in terms of images, the cow took their place, although this probably differs from the actual sacrificial practice.

André Wiese, 2011

Literature
E.O. Negahban, Marlik. The Complete Excavation Report, The University Museum Monograph 87, 2 vols. Philadelphia PA 1996, 123f. no. 106f. plate 40. Kunstwerke der Antike. Cahn Auktionen AG, auction catalogue Basel 22nd September 2006, Calbe 2006, 34 no. 57. J. Gabus – R.-L. Junod, Amlash Art, Bern 1967, plate VII. M. Guggisberg, Frühgriechische Tierkeramik. Zur Entwicklung und Bedeutung der Tiergefäße und der hohlen Tierfiguren in der späten Bronze- und frühen Eisenzeit (ca. 1600 – 700 v.Chr.), Mainz 1996, 346f. Stiftung DKM, Iran _ Amlash, Duisburg, 2011, 26 – 27, cat. no. 3.