CIRCA 630-580 B.C.

This large amphora can be attributed to the Group of the Scale Amphorae, produced at Caere.  The group is characterized by their large size, sturdy thick walls and strong handles, all suggesting that they were designed to hold a heavy liquid, such as olive oil.  The bodies typically have an incised scale pattern, with animal friezes on the shoulders divided by guilloche, as seen on the amphora presented here.  For a related example see the amphora in the Musei Capitolini, Rome, no. 55 in M. Martelli, et al., La Ceramica degli Etruschi.