CIRCA 580-570 B.C.

Horse-head amphorae were produced in Athens during the first half of the 6th century B.C. They are characterized by a panel depicting a horse head in profile, typically on both sides of the vase. The current example is rare and highly unusual as it features a male head on the reverse instead of another equine. For the only other example known with this juxtaposition, see Beazley Archive Pottery Database no. 305329, by the Painter Louvre E 822.

The purpose of the Horse-head amphorae remains unknown. Scholars have speculated a wide-range of uses, from serving as votive objects, to being a predecessor of the Panathenaic prize amphorae.