CRETE, ARCHAIC PERIOD, CIRCA LATE 7TH CENTURY B.C.

A pithos is a large storage vessel used predominantly for holding grains and liquids. The frontal triangular heads of the two mold-made applied sphinxes with wig-like hair are rendered in Daedalic fashion, characteristic of the early Archaic period. For a similar example, see no. 183 in W. Hornbostel, et al., Kunst der Antike, Schätze aus Norddeutschem Privatbesitz.