The woman, the vessel for procreation was a
very important part of ancient life. Due to her
capabilities to perform such a miracle as carrying
and bearing a child, many vessels and works of
art emulate the female. This piece is no different.
As if in a birthing position, she squats and bares
her teeth, showing pain due to labor. The vessel
itself may have contained a liquid that was
thought to promote fertility or sexual appetite,
such as an aphrodisiac. Her nudity allows us to
see the beautiful body decoration and attention
to detail using a black paint on a red slip. To
create balance, she is placed on a flared
pedestal, exposing her prominent genitalia. It
is clear that fertility and the female body played
a large part in the everyday life of the ancient
world, due to the precision and care that was
taken in creating such vessels, and we in turn,
must respect such marked beauty and
craftsmanship.
- (PF.3758)
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