Terracotta phiale (libation bowl) 250 BC

This terracotta phiale (libation bowl), created by the Bolsena Group around 250 BC, is a stunning example of Etruscan craftsmanship. The bowl features a central, raised medallion depicting a Gorgon's head surrounded by intricate floral and geometric designs. The Gorgon's menacing visage, with its prominent fangs and wild hair, served as a protective symbol in Etruscan belief, making this phiale a powerful object for religious rituals. This piece, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, is a testament to the artistic sophistication and cultural practices of the ancient Etruscans.