Terracotta oinochoe (wine jug) 625 BC

Editor: Here we have a terracotta oinochoe, or wine jug, from 625 BC. It's attributed to the Chigi Group and is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I find the decoration, especially the frieze with the bulls, really striking. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Beyond the pleasing composition, this wine jug offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and political dynamics of early Greece. Think about the symposium, where wine vessels like this one played a crucial role. Who was participating in these symposia, and whose voices were being excluded? Editor: So, you're saying that this vase isn't just a container, it’s a statement? Curator: Precisely. The imagery of fighting bulls, alongside those fantastical creatures, could be interpreted as a coded commentary on social hierarchies and power struggles within the aristocratic class. How might the act of drinking from such a vessel reinforce or challenge those existing power structures? Editor: That makes me think about the labour involved in making the jug. Was that work also gendered or assigned to certain groups? Curator: Absolutely. Pottery production itself was a highly skilled craft, often performed by enslaved people. Even the motifs—animals and mythological figures—reflect a male aristocratic worldview. By recognizing that historical context, we start to unpack some pretty significant issues around labour, gender, and power, all contained within this seemingly simple object. Editor: Wow, I’d never thought about a vase carrying so much weight! Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Hopefully this has broadened your perspective on interpreting ancient art!