Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup) 530 BC

This fragment of a terracotta kylix, or drinking cup, was made by Euaion, an ancient potter. While fragmentary, it speaks volumes about ancient Greek society and craftsmanship. Terracotta, a humble material made from fired clay, was the foundation of countless objects. The cup's form would have begun on a potter’s wheel, a technology that allowed for standardized, efficient production. The deep black gloss, achieved through a complex firing process, reflects a mastery of pyrotechnology and the division of labor in specialized workshops. These workshops were the backbone of economic life in ancient Greece. The act of drinking, and the vessels used, were central to social rituals. While simple in material, this kylix represents the interconnectedness of material culture, skilled labor, and the social life of ancient Greece. Appreciating this fragment invites us to consider the human effort embedded in even the simplest of objects.