Boeotian Late Geometric krater
Both sides of the vase depict a boxing scene. In the centre of the representation two men are shown in a boxing match, with one of their hands wrapped in himantas (thong), while gesticulating with the other. The scene is flanked by men holding horses by their reins, girdled with swords hanging from their leathern belts (baldrics). Supplementary geometric ornaments occupy the field.
Boxing was one of the earliest and most popular events in Greece; reference to it is made in the Iliad (Book XXIII 664–691). Boxers’ himantes (strophia or meilichae) were necessary in order to protect the fingers and knuckles during a match, and were usually made of ox leather. Moreover, in ancient Greek cities, horse breeding was a sign of prosperity and symbolized affluence and high social status.
- Athens, National Archaeological Museum, inv. n. Α 12896
- Ca 690–670 BC
- H. 0.34 m. Rim diam. 0.285 m.
- Provenance: Thebes. Confiscated from the Rhousopoulos Collection
Bibliography
- Coldstream, J. N. (1968). Greek Geometric Pottery, pp. 201-210, pl. 44 g, j, London: Methuen.
- Kaltsas. N, (Ed.), (2004). Agon. The Spirit of Competition in Ancient Greece in A. Alexandropoulou, 256, no. 151, Athens: Ministry of Culture.
- Tzachou-Alexandri, O. (Ed.), (1989). Mind and Body. Athletic Contests in Ancient Greece. National Archaeological Museum 15th May 1989-15th January 1990, pp. 306, cat. no. 19, Athens: Ministry of Culture.
