North African red slip pottery (abbreviated ARS) was produced in the area that is now Tunisia from the 1st through the 7th centuries A.D. It is characterized by a glossy red slip and ornamented with mold-pressed appliqués. Especially popular were animals, hunting scenes, gladiatorial combats and mythological figures, often framed by foliate devices. Jugs, bottles, and flasks were the most common shapes. ARS was exported throughout the empire.
The piriform example presented here features on one side a running figure in a short tunic, and on the other side, a partially draped figure, depicted frontally, gesturing with his left hand.