Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup) 530 BC

This is a fragment of a terracotta kylix, a drinking cup, by Makron. Imagine holding this cup in ancient Greece, perhaps at a symposium. These gatherings were spaces for elite men to discuss philosophy, politics, and culture, often lubricated by wine. The imagery on kylixes often reflected the values and narratives of this social class. While this fragment offers only a glimpse, the complete cup would have told a story, reinforcing the identities and shared beliefs of its users. Whose stories are missing from this picture? Were women and enslaved peoples allowed to participate or have their experiences represented? Consider the power dynamics inherent in these gatherings. The act of drinking from such a vessel was not merely a social ritual; it was an enactment of privilege and a reinforcement of social norms. This fragment invites us to think about what stories are told, who gets to tell them, and whose voices remain absent.