Chous 440-420 BC

Inv. A.2318

Terra-cotta, red-figure technique

Two Boys holding torch, chous and ritual cake. Royal Museums of Arts and History, Brussels.

Toward the end of the 5th century B.C., Athenian potters and painters created a large number of miniature oinochoai (sing. oinochoe), or pitchers, decorated with children at play or imitating adults. It is thought that they were given to the youngest members of the family during the Anthesteria, a three-day celebration of the new vintage of wine and the arrival of spring. These little vessels are called choes (sing. chous), which means libations, after the name of the second day of the festival.

Photogrammetry by Greektoys with the support of the Cinquantenaire Museum in Brussels.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUsFYuzbgcg