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

Beginning in the 8th century B.C., Greek metalsmiths produced bronze cauldrons, of hammered sheet, and affixed multiple griffin protomes along the perimeter of the curving bowls with nails. These cauldrons were primarily found in sanctuaries and were likely dedicatory in nature. The griffin imagery is inspired by Near Eastern motifs of monsters, which also adorned vessels. For a similar at the Fogg Museum, see acc. no. 1963.130.