Terracotta Aryballos in the Form of An Eagle's Head 600 BC

This is an Ancient Greek terracotta aryballos, an oil flask, formed into the head of an eagle. The eagle, a symbol of power and keen sight, was closely associated with Zeus, king of the gods, in ancient Greek culture. Here, the iconography of the eagle, with its sharp, focused gaze, embodies strength, vigilance, and divine authority. We see the eagle in many forms throughout history, its symbolism transcends time, reappearing in Roman imperial art. Consider the recurrence of the eagle, a powerful presence across millennia and civilizations. This appropriation speaks to a deep-seated human fascination with power and protection. The symbolic journey reflects a non-linear progression, echoing and evolving in different historical contexts.