Terracotta hydria: kalpis (water jar) 425 BC

This small terracotta hydria, or water jar, was crafted by the Owl-Pillar Group. Though we don’t have a specific date, we know it originates from ancient Attica. During this period in ancient Greece, the act of carrying water was intrinsically linked to the lives of women and enslaved peoples. These vessels speak to the daily labor, endurance, and communal routines of certain groups. In its simple, elegant form, the kalpis embodies the convergence of functionality and artistry inherent in ancient Greek pottery. Its smooth, dark surface and gracefully curved handles invite contemplation on the role of women, gender dynamics, and domestic life in ancient society. Consider how the intimate scale of this vessel invites a close, personal engagement, evoking the emotional and physical labor it once facilitated. Though this kalpis is unsigned, its beauty reminds us of the often unacknowledged contributions of women and laborers in shaping history.