The Greek Libation Bowl as Embodied Object

This essay considers various ways in which the Greek libation bowl, the phiale – a type of vessel used in classical antiquity for the intentional pouring of liquids in religious rituals – can be described as an embodied object. First, the examination of the handling of the phiale reveals its unique...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Art history 2018-06, Vol.41 (3), p.444-465
Main Author: Gaifman, Milette
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ceramics
Containers
Embodiment
Greek civilization
Human body
Religious art
Rites & ceremonies
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Summary:This essay considers various ways in which the Greek libation bowl, the phiale – a type of vessel used in classical antiquity for the intentional pouring of liquids in religious rituals – can be described as an embodied object. First, the examination of the handling of the phiale reveals its unique relationship to the hand, particularly how its lack of handles and distinctive middle‐mound, known as the omphalos or mesomphalos, renders it analogous to a prosthetic. Then, the implications of this observation are explored in a range of ancient contexts. As a dedication to the gods, the phiale could imply the performance of libations by its dedicator, and when given upon a slave’s manumission, it marked the attainment of personhood. When portrayed in the hands of deities, the bowl could suggest the possibility of divine participation in rituals. Finally, at the tomb, it could give physical form to sentiments of grief, and even to sounds.
ISSN:0141-6790
1467-8365
DOI:10.1111/1467-8365.12383