Late Geometric Krater (Mixing Bowl) or Skyphos (Cup) Fragment

Late Geometric
Late 8th century BCE

1 7/8 x 3 15/16 x 1/4 in. (4.8 x 10 x 0.6 cm)

This object has the following keywords:

• Animalia - Kingdom containing multicellular organisms having cells bound by a plasma membrane and organized into tissue and specialized tissue systems that permit them to either move about in search of food or to draw food toward themselves. Unable to make their own food within themselves, as photosynthetic plants do, they rely on consuming preformed food. They possess a nervous system with sensory and motor nerves, enabling them to receive environmental stimuli and to respond with specialized movements.
• kraters - Any of various large ancient Greek wide-mouthed vessels with two side handles, usually horizontal, generally used for mixing wine and water.
• Late Geometric - Refers to the most advanced phase of Geometric style, dating to the mid- and late eighth century BCE and appearing across a wide geographical area. It varied significantly in different locations, but in general it is characterized in vase painting by a sophistication in the representation of figures and animals, including the portrayal of recognizable mythological figures and narrative scenes. Sculpture from this period depicts a wide variety of animals and human figures that are stylized, but more naturalistic than in earlier art.
• skyphoi - A type of drinking vessel in the shape of a deep cup, usually with two horizontal handles attached to the lip and a small integral foot. In all-black or unglossed plain wares the skyphos was the most common type of cup.