[ΚΕΝΟ]



Ovoid rhyton

Π16434
Clay
Incomplete, mended and restored.
Height: 23 cm.
Zakros
Palace, Building Γ, Room Ο
Late Bronze Age. Neopalatial period, Late Minoan ΙI period.:
1500-1450 BC:
Gallery:
IV
Case:
43
Exhibition thematic unit:
Late Bronze Age - Neopalatial period (1700-1450 BC). The New Palaces. The zenith of Minoan civilisation
Palace of Zakros
Description
Ovoid rhyta, vases with a narrow mouth for filling and an even narrower pouring hole in the tip, were ergonomically suited to decanting or filtering liquids, by fitting them into the narrow mouth of amphorae or jug. This could be done by dipping the rhyton into a wide-mouthed vessel and keeping the liquid inside by stopping the hole in the tip. Besides serving everyday needs, rhyta like this one from Zakros could also be used as ceremonial libation vessels. The rhyton is decorated in dark paint on a light ground, with a band of running spirals on the shoulder, parallel and wavy lines and a foliate pattern. Its shape recalls the modified ostrich eggs used as rhyta which may have been the luxury version of clay rhyta. It is worth noting that these rhyta were probably used in pairs, as indicated by the fact that an almost identical rhyton, probably from the same workshop, was found in the same room of the palace.
Bibliography:
Platon, N. Zakros. Το Νέον Μινωϊκόν Ανάκτορον. Η εν Αθήναις Αρχαιολογική Εταιρεία, Athens, 1974.
Author:
I. N.


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