Kantharos Miniature

Ultima modifica 26 ottobre 2023

The term kantharos is of Greek origin and is used to indicate the cup from which wine was drunk.
The kantharos here shown has the characteristic open shape and very high and wide handles that rise well above the edge of the container. 
It can vary in size and was used for liquids.
This speciment is miniaturistic: the miniature pottery has been read by scholars not only as a simple decrease in the real size of an object of daily use, but as an object of symbolic value created specifically to accompany the deceased man.
In the Etruscan, Latin and Greek world it was used for drinking and most likely it has the same function in the Picenes civilization.
In this specimen the edge is flat while the central part just hints at an slight enlargement.
The bottom part on which it stands is slightly concave.

The jar is 5,4 cm high, the edge is oval and measures 5,4 by 7,6 cm.

The original artefact was found in tomb nr 18, which hosted a woman. The skeleton found was buried curled up on the right side and had a simple kit but characterized by numerous objects of personal adorning such as earrings, necklaces, fibulas, vases and spools for spinning.

Dating: sixth century BC.