Terracotta stemless kylix (drinking cup) 330 BC

This terracotta stemless kylix, or drinking cup, was crafted by the St. Antimo Group, a collection of potters active in ancient Greece. Imagine holding this kylix in your hands, the cool terracotta a stark reminder of the cultural norms surrounding the symposium, a ritualized drinking party exclusively for male citizens. It was an important setting for reinforcing social bonds and political alliances, with drinking vessels like these playing a central role. But what stories were left untold in these gatherings? The imagery adorning the kylix, although decorative, offers a glimpse into the aesthetic values of the time. Yet, the absence of women and marginalized groups speaks volumes about the power dynamics embedded within ancient Greek society. As you consider this object, reflect on the voices that were excluded from these convivial scenes, and how their stories might reshape our understanding of this era.