Culture: Decorative Arts

The Homeric World: Culture - Decorative Arts

Pottery in Homeric Times

Pottery was an essential aspect of daily life in the Homeric world. It was used for cooking, storing food and drink, and ritual offerings.
Homeric pottery generally features geometric designs and depictions of heroes and gods.
Shapes of vessels often had specific functions. For example, the amphora was used for storage, the kylix for drinking wine, and the krater for mixing wine and water.
The development of the potter’s wheel in the 9th century BC allowed for greater precision and detail in pottery.

Frescoes and Wall Paintings

Frescoes were created by applying pigments onto wet plaster. This technique made the designs long-lasting.
The art often depicted mythological scenes, including battles, hunting scenes, and depictions of the gods.
The Thera frescoes are a notable example of Homeric mural art. They show boxing boys, antelopes, and dolphins, among other things.

Metalwork and Jewellery

Both bronze and gold were commonly used in Homeric metalwork.
Items produced included weapons, like swords and spears, as well as utilitarian items, such as cooking pots and drinking cups.
The craft of jewellery-making was also advanced. Craftsmen made rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other adornments often featuring intricate designs.
The Homeric texts frequently refer to elaborate ornamentation and embellishments on everyday objects and weapons, reflecting the intricacy of the metalwork skills of the time.

Sculpture

Early Greek sculpture from the Homeric period, also known as Daedalic style, featured rigid, frontal figures, often resembling Egyptian art.
Religion played an important part in the development of early Greek sculpture. Statues of deities were common, such as kouroi and korai - statues of young men and maidens.
Stone and bronze were the primary materials used for sculpture.

Textile Arts

In the Homeric world, women were primarily responsible for weaving and fabric production.
Textiles were used for clothing, furnishings, and as gifts or trade items.
The art of weaving is frequently mentioned in the Odyssey, with Penelope’s weaving and unweaving of Laertes’ shroud being a key part of the plot.
Ornamentation of textiles with dyes, embroidery, and decorative weaves demonstrated a high level of skill and aesthetic appreciation.

These are some of the key aspects of the decorative arts in the Homeric world. Remember to consider them not just as artistic expressions but also in the context of the society and culture they represent.