Storage practices in early Greece: the Late Geometric and Archaic pithos in the Cyclades

Thesis

The present thesis has the main objective of providing a detailed analysis of storage pithoi and their economic and social significance in the Cyclades during the Late Geometric, Archaic and Early Classical periods (8th –5th centuries BC). It centres on the analysis of both decorated and plain pithoi from Andros, Tenos, and Melos, aiming to investigate the ways that pithoi shape and reflect storage practices in Cycladic communities.

The research draws on both published and unpublished material and assesses pithoi in terms of typology, manufacture, and distribution, with close attention to workshop specialisation and technological choices. On each island the pithoi are examined based on their typology, technique, and decoration. The characteristics of the potting techniques employed are inspected, as well as the reasons behind these methods, largely concerning differences in the fabrics and clay, and forming, firing, and finishing techniques. All the typological and technological observations are developed through a macroscopic visual comparison of the material. On that matter, ethnographic evidence will be employed to provide examples of the way a pithos is built.

Beyond their production, pithoi are examined for their capacity, placement, and contextual use, highlighting their function in managing surplus, mitigating risk, and facilitating both household and communal storage needs during the LG and Archaic periods. Specifically, the function of both relief and plain pithoi is explored, according to their context (households, public buildings, industrial areas and sanctuaries) to discern any typological, chronological, or social patterns. Through case studies at sites such as Zagora and Keraia (Andros), Xobourgo (Tenos), and Kouphe (Melos) the study traces the role of storage vessels in different settings, from domestic and civic structures to 23 sanctuaries and industrial spaces. Special attention is given to the symbolic and practical uses of pithoi in cultic contexts, including first-fruit offerings, feasting provisions, and votive functions. Proceeding to investigate the nature of storage, the components of the community accumulating wealth is also explored, enabling observations on self- sufficiency, control of surplus, economic evolution, and depository requirements in domestic, public, and cultic areas.

Lastly, considering their long lifecycle, the Cycladic pithoi will also be considered as objects with “biographies”, highlighting the pithos as the par excellence vase to be recycled and repurposed, escaping their primary storage function.

Authors: Kokkalia, M

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-m89pov9ex
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: storage; pithoi; Early Iron Age; storage vases; Cyclades