Consultation of Pythia Kylix Flashcards
When is the kylix dated to?
440-430 BC
What does the kylix depict?
The Pythia sitting on her tripod, holding a laurel branch and a libation bowl, before her is a wreathed consultant
What is the significance of the kylix?
Shows how the oracle at Delphi was consulted
What does the kylix tell us about the consultation of the Pythia?
Doric column= indoors; may be in dark- no torches; staring into libation bowl may be how prophecy was revealed; religious context of activity= seated on tripod and veiled head; chewing of laurel leaves; oracle was a woman
What is a kylix?
A drinking cup
Who might the consultant represent?
Aigeus, mythical king of Athens, or priest there to interpret response of Pythia- wearing special clothing
What are the issues with the kylix?
Don’t have other depictions of the Pythia to compare to; on bottom of a drinking cup so may be simplified; if scene of myth (Themis and Aigeus) may not be realistic or reliable
Where was the kylix found and what does this signify?
Italy- colonisers keeping a sense of their cultural identity