Burial Urn

Terracotta ash urn with a reclining female worked in the round on the lid. The front of the rectangular-shaped chest is decorated with a relief showing the combat between Eteocles and Polynices (the sons of Oedipus) with a vanth (an Etruscan winged female demon) to either side. The scene is framed with fluted pilasters with stylized Corinthian capitals. In the late 19th century it was noted that the piece was painted red and greenish blue, although it is clear that it has subsequently been restored with brighter colours. An inscription names the woman as 'Larui Helesa'.