Vessel in the shape of a horned, birdlike creature

Tepe Amlash (tepe means “hill”) in northwestern Iran was scientifically explored in the late 1950s and 1960s. In several graves at this site, researchers found vessels like this one that combined various animal forms. This pouring vessel brings together keenly observed features of a bird and a ram. The beak, which serves as a spout, the small feet at the base, and the overall shape resemble that of a bird. However, the addition of ears and horns, which serve as small handles, suggest a ram. It is not known what meaning this combination of animal features held for the people who made and used this vessel.