Greek, Attica

This storage jar (amphora) depicts the departure of Triptolemus on his mission to educate the whole of Greece to plant and reap crops. He rides a chariot and carries four spears of wheat in one hand and a scepter in the other. Facing Triptolemus is the goddess Demeter, who chose to teach him the art of agriculture so that he could sow wheat throughout th inhabited earth. Her daughter, Persephone, stands behind him. As the father of ancient Greek agriculture, Triptolemus was associated with successful harvest and abundance. In this context, the image of Triptolemus was perhaps intended to be apotropaic, or resistant to bad luck, ensuring the continued agricultural prosperity of the vessel’s owner. As amphorae were often used to store and transport dry goods, this scene may have also indicated the vessel’s contents.