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Tripod

Date
late 6th–early 5th century BCE
Material
Bronze
possibly from
Lazio region, Italy, Europe
Classification
Furniture, metalwork
Collection
Ancient Art
Current Location
Not on view
Dimensions
overall height: 24 1/8 in. (61.2 cm)
diameter of bowl: 7 7/8 in. (20 cm)
width and depth at legs: 15 x 12 3/4 in. (38.1 x 32.4 cm)
Credit Line
Museum Purchase
Rights
Public Domain
Object Number
37:1926
NOTES
This magnificent bronze stand, called a tripod from Greek "tri" (three) and "pous, podos" (foot) would have been used as a support for a cauldron of wine served at an elaborate ritual dinner party. Cast in several pieces, this tripod is likely from the city of Vulci, in the central region of Italy called Etruria, where other similar stands have been excavated. The top of each animal leg is decorated with elaborate palmettes and double horse heads. Between these decorations are three figures: two women and a man each placed on a lotus flower.

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