Publication Date
4th century - first half of the 5th century AH / 10th century - first half of the 11th century AD
Publication Place
-
Bardo Museum; Tunisia
Subject
Cast bronze.
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
الارتفاع: 32.5 سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
2817
Record ID
object;ISL;tn;Mus01_A;17;ar
Library Location
Bardo Museum; Tunisia
Date
4th century - first half of the 5th century AH / 10th century - first half of the 11th century AD
Notes
The animal, which lacks forelegs, ears and horns, is depicted standing, with a long neck and a small head compared to the rest of its body, giving it a sturdy appearance. A crescent moon was hung on his chest, which appeared to be playing a protective role. He was tied with a notched, incised necklace tied around his neck, and the eye was depicted with a circular, incised ring surrounding the protruding iris. This basin was used for washing hands, most likely as the head of a fountain, which decorated a palace or dwelling in the region. As for the water that was delivered through a tube under the sheep’s belly, it was flowing from its gaping snout, which had the shape of a bottle. This model had to be connected to a group of hand-washing basins, which took the form of animals, generally ibex, canids, or birds, discovered in various Islamic countries, specifically in Egypt and Spain.
Sample Text
Mourad Rammah “Sheep-shaped hand-washing basin” in Discover Islamic Art. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;tn;Mus01_A;17;ar
