Athenian Geometric Funerary Ceramics

Agora Museum, Athens, Greece

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Geometric skyphos with openwork foot

Material: Terracotta
Date: ca. 735 BC
Origin: Athens, Greece

These artifacts are sophisticated examples of funerary pottery used during the Late Geometric period. Such items were often placed within or atop graves to honor the deceased or used in cremation ceremonies. The decorative style is defined by repetitive, mathematical patterns that wrap around the vessels in horizontal bands.

Skyphos (Center, #35): This is a deep drinking vessel known as a skyphos, distinguished by its "open-work foot" or perforated base. The body is covered in complex geometric designs, including prominent swastika motifs—a common solar symbol in ancient Greek art representing movement or good fortune.

Decorative Motifs: The patterns include swastikas, zigzags, and dotted bands. This "horror vacui" approach (fear of empty space) was a hallmark of the era, ensuring that nearly the entire surface of the terracotta was utilized for rhythmic ornamentation.

Museum label reference:
35. Skyphos with openwork foot, cremation context, ca. 735 BC.

Original Text:
35. σκύφος με διάτρητο πόδι

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Late Geometric pottery collection associated with cremation rituals.

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Source:  Athens, Greece