Situla

Bronze, and occasionally ceramic, "pail-shaped" vessels that were produced in prehistoric Europe from the late 2nd millennium BC onwards, and which seems to have been employed in drinking ceremonies. The name is used particularly for the decorated situlae produced in the sub-Alpine region, especially in north Italy around Este, from about 600 BC.

A bucket-shaped vessel of pottery, silver, or sheet bronze, a Classical container, with a winging handle across the rim. Examples of bronze from the north Italian Iron Age were particularly elaborately decorated; the style of decoration found on these situlae and other sheet bronze objects is known as situla art. A situla had a short vertical neck, a shallow shoulder, and sloped downward to a narrow base; there were two handles and a lid. It would be used for drawing water from a well.

Bucket-shaped vessel made of pottery or sheet bronze. Metal examples, possibly used for serving wine, were common in the Hallstatt Iron Age of temperate Europe and among related groups in northern Italy. Highly decorated situlae were produced in northeast Italy and traded to other areas (see Este); the style of decoration found on these situlae and other sheet bronze objects is known as situla art.