Stemmed Kyathos (Drinking Cup) c. 550

This bronze stemmed kyathos, or drinking cup, was crafted by the ancient Etruscans. Notice the distinctive high handle, adorned with geometric patterns. These designs, seemingly simple, speak to a complex visual language. The zigzag pattern around the bowl’s rim and the stylized floral motifs on the handle are not merely decorative. These symbols resonate with the cultural memory of the Etruscans. We see echoes of similar geometric forms in other ancient art— from Greek pottery to early Roman metalwork. Think of the ‘tree of life’ motif—often depicted as a stylized plant. This symbol transcends cultures and periods, appearing in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and later in medieval Christian art, evolving in form but retaining its fundamental meaning of growth and connection to the divine. Such imagery taps into our collective unconscious, evoking a sense of continuity and shared human experience. The Etruscans, like us, were deeply connected to the symbols that shaped their world.