Libation Vessel in the Shape of a Ram Carrying Cornets

Libation Vessel in the Shape of a Ram Carrying Cornets
Clay
H. 22.5 cm; W. 28 cm; D. 10.1 cm
Gilat, 4500–3600 BCE
Israel Antiquities Authority: 1976-53, exhibited at the Israel Museum, Jerusalem
Photography by Elie Posner © The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Discovered at the cult complex at Gilat, this libation vessel was found with the vessel of a lady carrying a churn, also on view in this exhibition. Therefore, scholars contend that the two vessels were used together for libations during ritual ceremonies. Within this ritual context they emphasized the importance of flock husbandry and its relationship to fertility symbolism. High-relief decoration is combined with painted and carved details. For example, the ram’s head has sculpted and painted horns, sculpted ears, round painted eyes, a carved mouth, and carved nostrils. On the animal’s back, painted horizontal lines and a design of triangles can possibly be interpreted as a blanket.