aquamanile

A pouring vessel in the form of one or more animal or human figures. Aquamanilia (pl.) contained water for hand-washing over a basin. They were used in medieval Europe in private homes and in churches. Pronunciation here.  Web resource here.

Griffin aquamanileAquamanile in the form of a griffon. Gilt bronze and niello. Ca. 1120. Victoria and Albert Museum, London.