The Pottery of the Gods Canosian Askos
8/11/2569
The Pottery of the Gods Canosian Askos
A spherical earthenware vessel decorated with bas-relief and free standing sculptures plastic decoration. The front is adorned with a Gorgonian Medusa mask. A winged statue of the goddess Nike stands on the neck and handle of the vessel a Canosan pottery Askos of the Ascos type. This artifact is from the Apulia region in southern Italy dating back to around the 3rd century BC a center of philosophical and artistic development. Canosan pottery was used in funerary ceremonies and to hold precious liquids such as fragrant oils or wine.
Canosan-style pottery from Apulia southern Italy dating from approximately the late 4th to early 3rd century BC is characterized by three-dimensional sculptures including the face of Medusa on the front.
The artifacts discovered in this region reflect the craftsmanship of ancient Greek artisans. Examples include bronze statues and bas-reliefs depicting the graceful flow of garments and elegant wings symbols of success in both battles and athletic competitions. These figures often feature large wings long robes and hold palm leaves or garlands to be given to winners. Another distinctive feature of ancient Greek art in Magna Graecia is the depiction of Gorgons in bas-reliefs and sculptures.
These differ from art found on mainland Greece often appearing as motifs on pottery temple pediments and ornaments as well as in architectural styles particularly on sacred buildings the Gorgons of Magna Graecia have broad round faces wide open mouths with protruding fangs snakes coiled around their heads and hair transformed into venomous snakes. Their wide open eyes gaze directly at the viewer warding off evil spirits a central symbol of protection and defense for the ancient Greeks.
This Daunian luxury vase from Canosa di Puglia, in northern Italy, is made of earthenware and dates back to around 300 BC. It is currently on display at the Altes Museum in Berlin Germany.
Magna Graecia on the southern coast of Italy and the island of Sicily was a key link in the spread of Greek culture to the Romans and the early Italic civilization. Ancient Greece flourished in culture trade and architecture and the Romans used the term to refer to the colonies where the ancient Greeks settled from the 8th century BC onwards. Greek communities in southern Italy created art to worship this goddess Nike the goddess of victory for good fortune and prosperity for their cities.
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