Ancient Greco-Roman head of Satyr or Bacchus terracotta oil lamp, 100 BC -350 AD. An ancient Greco-Roman figural terracotta pottery oil lamp. The lamp is made in the traditional slipper shape manner and adorned with a relief image of a head of a Nubian man representing a Satyr or Bacchus figure, probably with horns. The lamp is adorned with a raised handle and three wide nozzles. The face is adorned with engraved facial features, Circa: 2nd century to 3rd century. Ancient and Antique Roman Imperial Terracotta and Ceramic Oil Lamps, Museum Pieces, and Historical Artifacts. Length: 4.5 in = 11.43 cm. All measurements are approximate. Condition Report: Overall good antique condition. Signs of wear and age. Refer to photos. Sold as is. Provenance: private collection in New York. In Greek mythology, a satyr[a] (Greek: σάτυρος, translit. sátyros, pronounced [sátyros]), also known as a silenus[b] or silenos (Greek: σειληνός, translit. seilēnós [seːlɛːnós]), and sileni (plural), is a male nature spirit with ears and a tail resembling those of a horse, as well as a permanent, exaggerated erection. Early artistic representations sometimes include horse-like legs, but, by the sixth century BC, they were more often represented with human legs.[4] Comically hideous, they have mane-like hair, bestial faces, and snub noses and they always are shown naked. Satyrs were characterized by their ribaldry and were known as lovers of wine, music, dancing, and women. They were companions of the god Dionysus and were believed to inhabit remote locales, such as woodlands, mountains, and pastures. They often attempted to seduce or rape nymphs and mortal women alike, usually with little success. They are sometimes shown masturbating or engaging in bestiality.