decorative objects

Question 1

Describe the pithoi

Answer 1

-Largest vessel
-Over 1.5m high
-Contained liquid and food
-Partially buried in the ground to keep cool
-Often contained oil (fire hazards)

Question 2

Describe the amphora

Answer 2

-Smaller than pithoi with a narrower neck
-Elaborately painted
-Often depicted marine and plant life or geometric patterns

Question 3

Describe the stirrup jar

Answer 3

-Most common vessel
-Geometric pattern
-Often depict double axes, spirals and leaves

Question 4

Give other examples and descriptions of vessels

Answer 4

-Commonly depicted chariot racing, bulls, human figures, flowers, shells, zigzags, and vertical lines
-Kraters were used for mixing water and wine
-Squat, 3-handled jars were made from alabaster
-Miniature vases for perfumes
-Burial caskets and bath tubs were made from clay
-Kylix had long stems and small handles
-Golden cup of Nestor had 4 handles and a pair of doves on each handle
-Too heavy to lift when full
-Silver bull rhyton was filled at the head and poured out the mouth

Question 5

Give examples and descriptions of figurines

Answer 5

-Figures may have either been toys or for religious significance
-Offerings to the gods in hope of fulfilment of prayer
-Phi (Φ), psi (Ψ), and tau (𝜏) figurines may have represented female goddesses
-Female figurines often have jewellery and prominent breasts
-Animal figurines include snakes and cattle

Question 6

Describe ivory carving

Answer 6

-Ivory from elephants and hippopotami
-Comb from attica
-Used for thebes pyxis
-Chair legs form thebes
-Ivory inlays of sphinxes, dolphins, columns, shells, and shields