cinerary urn;
human cremation
- Museum number
- 1842,0728.842
- Description
-
Terracotta cinerary urn decorated at the shoulder with four painted and gilded bull-griffin protomes. The conical cover is surmounted by a miniature vase.
- Production date
- 300BC (circa)
- Dimensions
-
Height: 40.64 centimetres
- Curator's comments
-
Found inside the urn were cremated human remains (bones, teet; minimum number of individuals is 2, based on two right sided pars petrosa), two Athenian silver obols attached to a jawbone, fragments of a linen textile (1842,0728.843) a terracotta figure of a siren in an attitude of mourning (1842,0728.844), as well as fragments of iron, bronze (fused bronze, iron and teeth), animal bone and an unknown material.
-
The bull-griffins are clearly influenced by the art of Achaemenid Persia.
- Location
- On display (G22/dc7)
- Exhibition history
-
2023 4 May - 13 Aug, London, BM, G35, Luxury and Power: Persia to Greece
- Acquisition date
- 1842
- Acquisition notes
- Burgon collection number 282
- Department
- Greek and Roman
- Registration number
- 1842,0728.842