Monkey Aryballos (Oil Jar)
Maker
Unknown Maker
(Etrusco-Corinthian)
Date600-550 B.C.E
MediumCeramic
Dimensions4 × 2 × 1 5/8 in. (10.2 × 5.1 × 4.1 cm)
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
Credit LineClarence Day Foundation Collection
Object numberLI.90.36
CommentaryThis aryballos or oil jar, is in the form of a Barbary ape, a monkey native to northen Africa. Although many such objects were made to hold oil, this example may have held perfume or makeup. Appropriately, for a jar associated with grooming, the monkey seems to be cleansing itself. Monkeys were very popular pets for wealthy Greeks—despite their reputation for mischief.
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