An archaeological term from the Latin situla referring to bucket-shaped vessels for carrying water or other liquids. Situlae resemble vases in the shape of a bucket or cylinder, rounded in their lower section, with a rounded or pointed bottom, and fitted with a handle. They were made in every size and from numerous materials, but the best known were made from bronze and feature remarkable decorations. They often had a ritualistic value. Situla-shaped receptacles were very common between the sixth and fourth centuries BC in Central Europe and Northern Italy.