Terracotta column-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water) 550 BC

This terracotta column-krater, or bowl for mixing wine and water, was crafted by Lydos. It stands as a testament to the significance of wine in ancient Greek culture, where symposia were important social and intellectual gatherings. Painted in the black-figure technique, the krater depicts scenes of revelry, possibly associated with Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and theatre. The figures, silhouetted against the reddish clay, engage in dance and music, embodying the ecstatic experience of ritual. It is interesting to consider the role of gender in these rituals, as women were often excluded from formal symposia, yet played significant roles in religious festivals. The krater offers insights into the values and beliefs of ancient Greek society, whilst it acknowledges the complex relationship between pleasure, ritual, and social identity. It invites us to reflect on how these themes continue to resonate in contemporary celebrations and artistic expressions.