Terracotta bell-krater (mixing bowl) with lid 425 BC

This terracotta bell-krater with lid was crafted by the Group of the Würzburg Scylla. Such mixing bowls were central to the ancient Greek symposium, a ritualized drinking party reserved for elite men. The imagery on this krater offers a glimpse into the values and social structures of the time. The scene depicts a male figure, possibly preparing or serving wine, highlighting the performative aspects of masculinity and hospitality within the symposium. The krater itself, as a functional object, underscores the importance of communal drinking in solidifying social bonds and hierarchies among the elite. To truly understand this krater, we delve into archaeological records, literary sources, and studies of ancient Greek social customs. Only then can we appreciate how art objects reflect and shape the cultural narratives of their time.