VesselsGreek6th century BCE

Neck Amphora (storage jar): Warriors in Battle

510-500 BCE

Description

Both sides A and B of this neck amphora depict nearly identical scenes of three warriors in battle. Each soldier has a shield, a spear, and a scabbard. On side A the shield of the rightmost warrior is visible and decorated with an animal protome in added white. We also see half of the middle warrior’s shield which is decorated in added white with a bucranium. The adornments and clothing of each of the warriors is slightly different but in all three added white and incised lines were used. The scene is bordered by an intricate palmette design that originates under each handle. Side B portrays the same scene except that the clothing on these warriors is slightly different from those on side A. On both sides the two rightmost warriors are fighting against the leftmost warrior. On Side A the rightmost warrior is holding a spear pointed towards the left and the central crouching warrior is facing left while holding his shield and spear left as well. The leftmost warrior is holding his spear to the right. All of the spears on side A are parallel to one another. On side B the central and rightmost warriors are in the exact same position except that the central warrior’s helmet-covered face is no longer visible. On this side the leftmost warrior assumes a more aggressive stance with his spear angled downward facing the crouched central warrior.

Classification

Vessels

Technique

Black-figure

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek

Period

Archaic period

Century

6th century BCE