Luteriy is a vessel for mixing wine with water, and according to the Greek tradition, spring water was added before usage. The wine nomads drank was not diluted with water. This ethnographic peculiarity led to appearance in the Greek language of a special expression ‘skiff up’ meaning ‘pour a drink of a higher strength’.

Two handles decorated with slotted ornament are attached to the upper part of the vessel, under the collar. Another one, on the opposite side of the spout-drain is in the form of an animal figurine which is very realistic as the ancient master made in details its face, ears and even the claws on the front legs. Scientists suppose this might be a panther or a tiger: the stripes engraved on the surface of the figure could imitate the color of the wool. The beast’s mouth is bared as if in furiosity — it seems to be either making an attack or defending itself. That is the way animals were depicted on the objects meant to become amulets and protect their future owners from evil forces.

In ancient times, dishes with zoomorphic motifs might perform several functions. The luteriy is supposed to have been used during priestly rites or other rituals, or displayed during feasts, as an expensive ceremonial vessel. Scientists are unanimous about its ritual destination. The ancient people closely associated images of different animals with the man. These ideas were deeply rooted in totemic ideas about consanguinity between people and animals.