THE MINOAN AMPHOROID KRATER: FROM PRODUCTION
TO CONSUMPTION
by J.H. Crouwel* and C.E. Morris
†
*Amsterdams Archeologisch Centrum, University of Amsterdam
†
Trinity College, Dublin
In memory of Hector Catling (–)
This article focuses on a distinct type of clay vessel which formed part of both the Late Minoan and the Mycenaean repertoire:
the amphoroid krater.
In contrast to the Mycenaean version of the shape, with its often elaborate decoration of chariots and other pictorial designs, the
Minoan amphoroid krater has up to now not received much attention. The present paper intends to redress this imbalance by exploring
the origin and development of the Minoan amphoroid krater, its function(s) and its relationship with its Mycenaean counterpart.
INTRODUCTION
The term ‘amphoroid krater’ was coined by Arne Furumark some years ago.
It is used here for a
necked vessel with two opposite strap handles from rim to shoulder, and having a mouth with a
diameter substantially larger than its base but less than its maximum diameter.
The amphoroid krater formed part of both the Late Minoan and the Mycenaean repertoire;
however, in contrast to the Mycenaean version of the shape with its often elaborate decoration of
chariots and other pictorial designs,
the Minoan amphoroid krater has up to now not received
much attention.
The present article intends to redress this imbalance by exploring the origin
and development of the Minoan amphoroid krater, its function(s) and its relationship with its
Mycenaean counterpart. Throughout reference is made to the catalogue of published Minoan
amphoroid kraters which follows the main text.
THE EARLIEST CERAMIC AMPHOROID KRATERS
The first known examples of the Minoan ceramic amphoroid krater can be dated to Late Minoan II–
IIIA on stylistic grounds. Two large and impressive, if restored, examples of the shape were found in
the settlement of Tylissos in central Crete. Standing to a height of nearly cm, both vases have
everted rims, short slightly concave necks with a distinct ridge at the base, centrally ridged vertical
handles, conical-piriform bodies and flat-bottomed torus bases. The main elements of the
decoration are as follows (here and subsequently, references to catalogue entries are in bold):
Tylissos : neck painted with opposing rock patterns; on body, repeated zones of similar rock
patterns with dots.
Furumark a, , . Evans (, –, ) used the term ‘krater’. ‘Amphoroid krater’ figures among the
generally accepted Late Minoan shape names; see Hallager .
See especially Morris ; also Furumark a, index s.v. krater, amphoroid (Furumark Shapes –);
Karageorghis , –.
For the most extensive treatments, see Kanta , –; Melas , –; Morris , –.
The Annual of the British School at Athens, (), , pp. – © The Council, British School at Athens,
doi:./S