Red-Figure Cow-Head Rhyton (Drinking Horn): Seated Woman

Rhyta (drinking horns) in the forms of animal heads were popular ceramic products in Apulia c. 350-320 BC. Mold-made heads were attached to wheel-made bowls, with separately made handles (plus ears and horns, for this cow). On the bowl, a seated woman holds a helmet and spear, with a shield nearby; she may represent Athena, although the helmet differs from her usual type and she does not appear to wear her snaky aegis (breastplate).