Black-Figured Kalpis (Water Jug) (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

500 BC
Greek (Attic)
Ceramics
Containers-Vessels
terracotta
Place Made,Greece,Attica
Overall (at handles): 13 1/2 × 13 1/4 in. (34.29 × 33.66 cm)
60.32

The heavily armored hoplite contrasts with the lightly clad archer, whose soft, pointed cap identifies him as a Scythian (the general name Greeks and Romans used for a people who lived to the north and east of Greece). Although archers are often derided in Greek literature for fighting from a distance, they were an important part of ancient warfare.

The three-handled kalpis is a jar used for carrying and storing water.

Arthur and Margaret Glasgow Fund
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

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