Altgriechisch, Magna Graecia Terracotta Figurierte Oenochoe. 38 cm hoch. TL getestet. 4. Jahrhundert v. Chr.

Figurative Oenochoe

Ancient Greek, Magna Graecia, Canosa, 4th century BC

Height: 38 cm

Pottery

Attached thermoluminescence test

CONDITION: Good overall condition, with some areas of restoration to the polychromy, see photos.

PROVENANCE: Private collection, París, before 1970.


In the shape of a plastic-style oenochoe in polychrome terracotta. On the shoulder, two palmettes surround a young woman standing upright, dressed in a long peplum and a coat, leaning against a curved handle.

Magna Graecia was a region in southern Italy colonized by the Greeks between the 8th and 5th centuries BC. Canosa, known in ancient times as Canusium, although not a direct Greek colony, was strongly influenced by Hellenic culture due to its proximity to important Greek cities such as Taranto. This influence is reflected in its art, architecture, religion, and ceramics. Numerous funerary objects decorated with Greek motifs, such as craters and amphorae, have been found in Canosa, evidence of a strong presence of Greek beliefs and customs. The city was an important cultural and commercial center, where Greek, Roman, and local elements mixed, creating a unique identity. It also stood out for its production of painted pottery and for maintaining religious practices linked to Greek cults. Overall, Canosa represents a remarkable example of the cultural syncretism that characterized Magna Graecia in ancient times.

The oinochoe is a type of ceramic vessel from ancient Greece used mainly for serving wine. Its name comes from the Greek words “oinos” (wine) and “cheo” (to pour). It is characterized by a single vertical handle and a clover-shaped or rounded mouth, which made it easier to pour the liquid without spilling it. It was generally part of the set used in symposia, social gatherings where wine was drunk and various topics were discussed. Oinochoai were made of ceramic and often decorated with mythological scenes, rituals, or scenes from everyday life, especially in the black-figure and red-figure styles. In addition to their functional use, some oinochoai were placed in funerary contexts as offerings. Their shape and decoration vary according to period and region, allowing archaeologists to identify specific styles. These vessels are a valuable source of information about the life and culture of ancient Greece.