This broken cow-head was once part of a Type I Figural zoomorphic rhyton from Cyprus. Rhyta are believed to have developed in the Aegean from the influence of Syrian antecedents and Cretan zoomorphic wine jars, or askoi, dating as far back as 3000 BCE. Circular eye incisions and shape characterize Cypriot rhyta: representations of full-bodied animals. The break at the top of the neck of this rhyton suggests that this cow head was once part of such a shape. The nose holes are shallow and perform only an aesthetic function. The open mouth of the cow was utilized as a spout for liquids to be poured through. At one time, this rhyton had two openings, and from other examples of Cypriot rhyta, we can expect that the primary hole was either on the rear (as is more common with earlier examples) or on the back (more common with later pieces). Because of their shape and various holes, it has been assumed that these would have served as ceremonial containers during religious sacrifices. -Christina Dickerson & Andrew Moore