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Clay miniature situla

Π19295
Clay
Restored in places and mended from several sherds
Height: 11 cm.Base diameter: 4.9 cm.Rim diameter: 6 cm.
Lyttos
Hellenistic period:
250-225 BC:
Gallery:
XX
Case:
199
Exhibition thematic unit:
Classical - Hellenistic - Roman period (5th c. BC-4th c. AD). Cities and Sanctuaries
War - Destructions of Cities
Description
This miniature clay situla with fine walls and tasteful relief decoration was found in the destruction layer of a house in ancient Lyttos. Its handle is arched, with stamped palmettes at either end, while just underneath them is a false spout in the shape of a lion’s head, with a woman’s head on the other side. The situla is a wine vessel. It was filled with wine which was then ladled into the oenochoai for pouring into the drinking-cups of the symposiasts. This particular miniature example, however, could not have been used for this purpose. Many theories have been put forward to explain the presence of miniature situlae and other miniature vessels in houses, ranging from their use in domestic family rituals to simple toys.
Bibliography:
Lebessi Α., “Αρχαιότητες και μνημεία κεντρικής και ανατολικής Κρήτης”, Αρχαιολογικό Δελτίο vol. 26 (1971) Μέρος Β’ 2-Χρονικά, 493-501, pl. 513. Egglezou Μ., Ελληνιστική κεραμική Κρήτης. Κεντρική Κρήτη, Athens, 2005, 99, pl. 41β and 105γ.
Author:
S. P.


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