Terracotta calyx-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water) 440 BC

This terracotta calyx-krater, a bowl for mixing wine and water, was crafted by the Group of Polygnotos. In ancient Greece, wine was a symbol of both celebration and social cohesion, but also of male privilege. Vessels like this krater were central to the symposia, or drinking parties, where men gathered to discuss philosophy, politics, and culture. Looking at the imagery on this krater, we see scenes that likely reflect the values and narratives of the time. The figures are depicted in strong, idealized forms, embodying the Greek ideal of masculine beauty and strength. Who were these gatherings excluding, and how might that absence shape our understanding of this object? The krater, thus, serves as a lens through which we can examine the gendered and social dynamics of ancient Greek society. While it celebrates certain virtues and ideals, it also prompts us to consider the voices and perspectives that are missing from the narrative.