Detail from a Geometric Terracotta Krater in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, July 2007

Terracotta krater
Greek, Attic, Geometric, late 1st quarter of the 8th century BC
Attributed to the Workshop of New York MMA 34.11.12

Accession # 34.11.12

The funerary purpose of this krater is indicated by the prothesis scene - the laying out of the deceased- on the central metope on each side of the vase. Of particular interest are the images of battles on and around the two ships. The center of one ship is occupied by a figure seated under an awning as two warriors fight with swords near the stern. The central portion of the other ship is missing. The archer on the prow of this vessel, the warrior just above the prow, the proximity of foot soldiers as well as the birds perched on the sterns of both ships suggest that the vessels are beached or at least close enough to be boarded from the shore. The person of rank under the awning, the variety of combatants, and the number of foot soldiers- even if they are repeated for decorative purposes- indicate that a specific event is depicted.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.