This large pithos, or storage jar, is ovoid in form
on a flat base. The body is decorated with
moulded vertical fluting above a wide band with
an applied zig-zag design. The most interesting
feature is the impressed frieze with the repeated
motif of a mythological creature- half-stag and
half-human. This vessel was produced in a
transitional period which saw the introduction of
animal and human motifs into decorative
schemes previously dominated by geometric
designs. Indeed, the outline of the mythical
beast
is itself influenced by earlier traditions, with its
angular silhouette. A vessel of this type would
have been used to store a variety of products
including wine, grain, seeds or oil. Despite its
utilitarian function the ancient craftsmen could
not resist the temptation to embellish its large
surface area. Above the frieze is an applied
rope-like design with circular roundels. The neck
is flared and the surface of the clay has been
coated with a red slip. (AM)
- (X.0528)
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