Terracotta lekanis (covered dish) 400 BC

This terracotta lekanis, or covered dish, was crafted by the Otchët Group. The scene painted on the lid is a window into the cultural and social life of the time. We see a moment of ritual, perhaps a dedication or offering, set against the backdrop of an active, almost dreamlike world of winged figures and animals. The figures depicted are not just characters in a story, but embodiments of the values and ideals of this society. Consider the kneeling figure—what does their posture convey about their relationship to the divine or to societal expectations? And how do these depictions reinforce or challenge the era’s concepts of gender and status? The lekanis is not merely a vessel, but a canvas reflecting the complex tapestry of identity, belief, and daily life. It invites us to reflect on how these ancient stories continue to resonate with our own experiences and understandings.