Waterspout in the form of a dog,

early 1st century CE

This terracotta dog, likely made from a single mold, once functioned as a waterspout in a private home. The original setting of this functional cast object is confirmed by a number of similar spouts, possibly part of a series, in private houses at Pompeii and Herculaneum, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in southern Italy in 79 CE. Set around the compluvium (an opening in the tiled roof) often in an alternating pattern with lion-shaped spouts, these spouts channeled rainwater into the impluvium (a pool in the inner courtyard). This collared dog rests its forelegs along the opening of the spout, which is supported by acanthus leaves. It may represent a Molossian hound, a breed from northwest Greece renowned for its bravery and ferocity, and often used for household security. The hound’s upright ears and focused expression indicate that he is a fierce and watchful presence.