Daunian pottery double situla, Apulia, 4th century B.C.

The vase is formed from two ovoid jars, each with a flat base and flaring mouth, joined together with a high ribbon-shaped handle.
The handle shows a herringbone pattern (chevrons) ending in three parallel lines evoking a binding wire or stitching - like a basket-handle in wicker. The finely executed decoration of the ovoid jars shows various motifs: waves, triangles, and 'triglyphes' which are interrupted by a large 'metope', the lowest register with single decorative elements interrupted by vertical columns of wavy lines, concentric arches on the interior of the rim. Added orange-red pigments enhances some motifs and the base of the handle.

Note
The shape of a double situla must have served as a container for two types of offerings of unknown nature.

Provenance
Private collection, Switzerland, since the 1970s

Publication
Jacques Chamay, Chantal Courtois (eds), L’art premier de Iapyges, céramique antique d’Italie méridionale, 2002, 81, 150.