Archaeologists found a Thracian vessel in the shape of a horse head in a funeral mound near the town of Sliven.

The workmanship was especially precise, Focus news agency reported.

The horse’s accoutrements and a labris (double axe) were represented on the vessel. Focus said that the labris was a symbol of royal power in Thrace.

Georgi Kitov, head of the archaeological expedition, said that the vessel was unique from a scientific point of view. The labris proved the vessel was owned by a Thracian king.

Only half a body was found in the tomb, showing that the deceased was a follower of Orpheus, Kitov said.

Amphoras, clay vessels of various sizes and bronze pitchers were also found in the two tombs under the hill.