Source: Basel Dance Vase

Question 1

When is the Basel dance vase dated ?

Answer 1

500-490 BC

Question 2

What is the significance of the Basel dance vase

Answer 2

• one of the only sources that depicts the chorus+ members wearing diadems
• ornate and decorative wear similar to that of the Pronomos vase with detailed wear and slight orientalization of their dress
• performing bare foot
• object on the left might be individual rising from behind altar or idol of Dionysus as the ribbons clearly Indicate religion- altar repressing a tomb and the figure rising up might be a deceased person
• all individuals are expressing the same expression with the same characteristics and open gaping mouths so likely to be wearing masks, their movements are all fairly uniform

Question 3

What are the limitations of this sources usefulness ?

Answer 3

• lack of scene setting, no speech or information leaving us unsure as to what their role might be at this point could it be mood setting ? Could it be commentator or scene setting
• no evidence as to figure/ object on the left
• provenance holds significance as a limitation due to later developments in the chorus we might be unaware of and we don’t see any evidence of this