Heraklion Archaeological Museum - CollectiveAccess System : Clay objects : Pithoid jar with relief decoration [Π33121]

The “Cretan Polis” ➔ Pithoid jar with relief decoration

Π33121

Orange-red clay

Mended from many sherds, missing the back, right handle and bottom of the vessel

Preserved Height: 141 cm. Estimated Height: 191 cm. Mouth diameter: 94 cm. Max. Diameter: 95 cm.

Arkalochori

Trypito Haraki, Profitis Ilias

Archaic period:

525-500 BC:

Gallery:

Case:

Not in case

Exhibition thematic unit:

Classical - Hellenistic - Roman period (5th c. BC-4th c. AD). Cities and Sanctuaries

Cities

Description

This storage pithoid jar from Arkalochori stands out for its large size and rich relief decoration. This includes various abstract motifs (relief bands, zigzag and wavy lines, running spirals, panels) and mixed patterns, such as the wavy line combined with panther heads. The tall panel on the neck between the two handles is a work of high artistic quality, as is the corresponding zone above the widest part of the belly on the front of the vessel. In the neck zone is depicted a young man in an unbelted, sleeved chiton tunic, bending slightly forward and uncoiling a rope, the ends of which are attached to two horses, one on either side of him. The groom’s stance and movement are exceptionally rendered, his lively stride and backwards turn of the head also providing a sense of perspective. The result is heightened by the depiction of the horses, legs in movement and heads turned frontally. In the shoulder zone is a rare scene of two facing pairs of rams about to butt heads. Besides the naturalistic rendering of the heads, particular attention was paid to the details of the fleece and the movement of the animals. An unusual feature, both for the time and for this type of vessel, is the fact that in front of the right-hand ram is incised its name: πῖος (pios), meaning “plump” or “fruitful”. The name that probably accompanied the corresponding ram on the left has unfortunately been lost. The vessel is a technical and artistic masterpiece. It is no coincidence that it survived and remained in continuous use for almost three centuries after it was made, until the destruction of the settlement after the mid-3rd century BC.

Bibliography:

Κ. Galanaki, Chr. Papadaki, Ε. Simandoni-Bournia, Ch. Kritzas, Ι. Rogdakis, Ε. Sinadinaki, Ανάγλυφος πιθαμφορέας από το Αρκαλοχώρι Κρήτης, Αρχαιολογικό Δελτίο 67-68 (2012-3/2017), Μελέτες 201-228.

Author:

K. S.

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