This shallow gold libation bowl (phiale) is decorated with six bulls in relief. They have squarish heads and rather angular, though stocky, shapes. They have prominent ribs and very large cloven hooves. The bowl originally had a gemstone inlaid in the centre. To one side of this is a dotted crescent moon.
It is said to have been found in an ancient tomb in the village of Sant'Angelo Muxaro, some ten miles away from Girgenti, Sicily. In 1769, according to one source, there were four bowls, two plain and two decorated with bulls, in the Episcopal Library at Girgenti. A canon there is reported to have sold two to an Englishman (Hamilton?), as though they had been the bishop's own property.
The bowl is thought to be local Sicilian workmanship, but perhaps under the influence of contact with the Phoenicians. They may have been gifts to the native Sicilian leader on the fringes of Greek influence in order to secure his friendship. Greek contact with the Phoenicians and other eastern peoples occurred on their voyages to the east and in Sicily where Phoenicians also settled, especially in the west of the island.
Diameter: 14.60 centimetres
Height: 3 centimetres
Weight: 2893 grains
Made in Sicily, perhaps at Gela, under Phoenician influence, about 600 BCE. From Sant'Angelo Muxaro, Sicily.
British Museum, Hamilton collection (1772,0314.70)