The Greek word theriomorphic means “having an animal form.” As the name suggests, theriomorphic vessels are ceramic containers that resemble in one way or another an animalistic form. Some may have the head of a dog, some may have sculpted wings, others curling tails. This vessel and others like it were found in the ruins of the site of Beth Shean.

The vessel itself is decorated with lines and, more interestingly, a pattern of small dots, each surrounded by a ring. This pattern can be found throughout countless pieces of early Christian art and architecture, and was likely thought to be apotropaic, or to ward off danger. The pattern has been found on hair combs, mirrors, amulets, and even doorways, and was likely a common thing to see in Byzantine households.

—Maggie Miller

Catalogue Record, Penn Museum