Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup) 530 BC

This terracotta fragment of a kylix, or drinking cup, was crafted by Makron in ancient Greece. Though time has reduced it to a shard, it offers a glimpse into the lives, values, and aesthetics of its era. Kylixes, beyond their utilitarian purpose, were integral to the symposia, or gatherings of aristocratic men. Adorned with painted scenes, these vessels served as conversation pieces, reinforcing social bonds and cultural narratives. Makron, as a potter and painter, was not merely an artisan but a storyteller, shaping perceptions of heroism, mythology, and daily life. The figures on this kylix—though fragmented—hint at a narrative. It may portray scenes of idealized masculinity, the rituals of the symposium, or perhaps even subversive commentary on societal norms. Fragments such as these are a powerful reminder that history is often pieced together, inviting us to reflect on the complexities and silences of the past.