Animal-shaped pottery vessels, mounted on oversized wheels, had a long history in the ancient Middle East. This early example has the head of a ram with curving horns. Liquid that was poured into the hole on top flowed out of the opening in the animal's snout. A loop on the front allowed the attachment of a cord so that the vessel could be pulled. Such vessels have been found in both houses and temples, and they were probably used in religious or funerary rituals.
