Campanian Black-Glazed Guttus

A very high-ridged spout with the small handle at a right angle is a distinctive feature of the guttus. The vessel’s narrow and bulbous body sits on a pedestal base which has a band of orange clay exposed. On the top is a nicely modeled head of a man with wavy hair and curly beard resembling classical depictions of Zeus, or perhaps Hercules. Some scholars believe the guttus was used as a type of baby bottle; but more likely it was used as a filling bottle for oil lamps. Its shape is certainly distinctive and very appealing.