Beekeeping is attested by traces of beeswax on ceramic pots, as early as the Middle Neolithic (ca. 5800-4500BC) period in Greece. Whether this was the product of wild or domesticated bees remains uncertain. Also uncertain is the shape of the beehives, as no complete specimen has been found. Archaeologists argue that pots bearing scoring…
The kylix is a drinking vessel, favored by the Mycenaeans. Its main typological characteristics are its round base and the tall cylindrical stem ending to a bowled cup with two handles. It was not only favored by Mycenaeans but also from archaeologists, as its typological evolution helps define the chronological subperiods of Late Helladic…
Figurines are one of the most celebrated artifacts in museums and digital collections. The human eye is attracted to figurines, whether because we think we are viewing a small version of ourselves or because we are drawn to the tactility of a small object. Mycenaean figurines are also common in museum displays and collections,…
Object D24, a small glass bottle, likely Islamic, is an example of glassware created using cold working techniques (techniques that don’t require heat – like grinding, carving, engraving, and polishing). Glassblowers and glasscutters worked together to create the facets, or flat surfaces, on pieces like this. First, a glassblower would create a hollow, thick-walled…
In celebration of National Color Day (October 22nd), we’re highlighting object JI1716ab. This object is an example of a Tanagra type figurine, named after the cemeteries in the Tanagra region of Greece in which figures like these were discovered in the 19th century. The object is a sitting woman draped in intricately folded garments, supported…
Objects: 1526, 1527, 1528JIAAW, Old Department Collection Having just celebrated Indigenous People’s Day (Oct 12), we wanted to take a look at objects 1526, 1527, and 1528 – sherds that bring up important discussions about Native American history, representation, survival, and continuance. While most objects in the JIAAW collection are Mediterranean in origin, these sherds…
Object: 98JIAAW, Bishop Collection Stamnoi are somewhat squat, wide-mouthed pots, usually with a low foot and two horizontal, often upturned handles. They are often depicted being used to mix or serve wine, but some examples have been found with lids, suggesting they were also used to store liquids. Stamnoi are frequently decorated with scenes related…
While the provenance of these particular objects is unknown, plaster reliefs such as these were popular souvenirs in the 18th and 19th centuries. A tradition for wealthy young European men and women was a Grand Tour of Europe, lasting for months or even years, with visits to major cities and cultural sites. Artisans took advantage…
The olpe is one of the earlier types of the oinochoe and specifically has no spout and a high handle above the lip. In English, its most equivalent term is the pitcher. During meals or drinking, it would serve as a measure of how much wine had been consumed. -Elaina Kim ‘21, JIAAW Records and…
Archaeologists classify sherds (pottery fragments) into three main categories: rim sherds, body sherds, and base sherds. In order for a sherd to be identified as a rim sherd, it must include at least a small piece of the lip of the vessel – like this sherd from the acropolis at Pergamon. Archaeologists use the angle…