Rhyta (plural of rhyton) are special drinking vessels derived from drinking horns. Originally, rhyta were made to pour wine through, possibly for libations. Eventually, rhyta were made to hold the wine, although many shapes forced the drinker to keep his cup in his hand until it was empty.

This rhyton was made in Athens between 500 - 490 BC and is in the form of Dionysus. The deity himself holds the horn for drinking.

St Giles, London
Image Courtesy of Claire Houck © 2008