Mastoid (Drinking Cup) c. 500

This drinking cup, or mastoid, was crafted by an anonymous artist in ancient Greece. The scene depicted shows a Maenad being chased by a Satyr. This imagery connects to the wider cultural context of Dionysian rituals, hinting at themes of ecstasy, transformation, and the untamed aspects of human nature. The black-figure technique, prevalent in Greece at the time, creates meaning through the stark contrast between the dark figures and the light background. The cup offers a glimpse into the social structures of ancient Greece. The depiction of mythological figures and scenes from daily life suggests a culture deeply immersed in storytelling and ritual practices. To truly understand this artwork, historians delve into archaeological records, literary sources, and comparative analyses of similar artifacts. The meaning of this mastoid is contingent on its social and institutional context.