Mastos

The type is also called a parabolic cup, and has parallel examples made of glass or silver.

The vertical handle would have facilitated drinking from the relatively deep vessel, in contrast to the more shallow kylix.

Mastoi and votive representations of breasts are found as offerings (vota) at sanctuaries of deities such as Diana and Hercules, both of whom in ancient Roman religion had functions pertaining to birth, nursing, and rearing children.

[6] The breast-shaped cup may have a religious significance; the drinking of breast milk by an adult who is elderly or about to die symbolized potential rebirth in the afterlife.

[7] In the Etruscan tradition, the goddess Juno (Uni) offers her breast to Hercules as a sign that he may enter the ranks of the immortals.