Pithoi

Mimika Giannopoulou

"This major study of pithoi storage vessels has two aims: To present in detail the technology of making storage vases without the use of a potter's wheel, as this survived in the area of the Gulf of Messenia (SW Greece), and to compare it with other techniques which have been used to make storage vases over time. Data from original fieldwork by the author on the subject of storage vases are presented also from Crete, Chios and Siphnos. The other aim is to present the technology and dating of the sherds coming from storage vases found in ancient Messene. To facilitate an understanding of the subject, the author gives an historical retrospection on the presence and use of storage vases in different periods, through citing indicative examples. The analytical presentation of the technology of storage vases starts from the types of workshops, the kinds of clays, the techniques of...