3-044-439 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Black-Figure Neck Amphora, about 510 BC. Storage Jar with Dionysos. Additional Info: Horses were an integral part of the Greek world, used for transportation, entertainment, and warfare. Because of their high cost of maintenance, they also served as symbols of wealth and status. This Athenian black-figure neck amphora depicts two men leading their mounts. Each man wears a petasos, or broad-brimmed traveler's hat, and carries two spears. As this vase shows, Greek riders controlled their horses with reins and a bridle, but they had no saddle or stirrups. These men lead their horses at their shoulder on short reins. The back of the amphora depicts the festive atmosphere surrounding Dionysos, the god of wine. Dionysos stands calmly holding his kantharos, or drinking cup, while his companions dance and make music. A satyr, a creature part animal and part human, plays the aulos, or double flutes, and a maenad plays castanet-like instruments known as krotala.