JUG USED TO HEAT WATER

Description Ritual bronze vessel of dubious function: used, according to current interpretation, for the preparation of cereal-based alcoholic decoctions or to add water to dilute wine. Their juxtaposition in funerary contexts with water containers seems to indicate that they could serve to heat the water from ablutions. This variant of the 'he' vessel features an ovoid flattened body, a short flared neck with a protruding hem. It features a domed lid, with an upper eyelet anchored to the centre of a loop by means of two crossed rings. The handle is decorated with volute motifs; the two ends, with reptile heads, are attached to rings fixed to the shoulder of the vase. The spout is welded under one of the two hinges and has the shape of a crested griffon with a hooked beak. The lid and the upper half of the vessel above the feet are adorned with finely engraved decorative bands in geometric patterns.