Greek, Attica

Although the word symposium means literally a “drinking together,” symposia were not inclusive events. Women were not permitted to attend, with the exception of the hired female companions (hetairai), who entertained and served the all-male guests. This figural wine jug (oinochoe) was likely used in the symposium, where its anthropomorphic form would have enlivened the assortment of vessels used for sorting, mixing, pouring, and drinking wine. This vessel’s form is particularly appropriate to its function, since wine was customarily poured by hetairai during the symposium.