Juglet as the head of Saint Menas

Juglet as the head of Saint Menas

a. Abu Mina, Egypt c. 480-650
b. 9 x 4.5 cm, painted terracotta
c. The British Museum 1982,0402.9

Souvenir juglet modelled as the head of Saint Menas.
A souvenir juglet in the form of a head of Saint Menas: large nose and wide painted eyes, a dimpled chin, and large curls across the forehead and flanking the face; hair is also indicated at the back by vertical striations. The top of the head tapers up to a expanding rim with a double-moulded edge, and the vessel stands on a flaring foot, now damaged, slightly concave below. A handle extends from the mouth to the back of the head.
Two-piece mould, with an applied handle. Pale-orange clay, with some white grits. The eyes are painted black and white, and there is black on the mouth; the edge of the base is red and there is red colour on the mouth.