Explore the Hirschfeld Krater about the Description of the Dipylon Kraters of the History in this artwork.
Hirschfeld Krater The Dipylon Krater found in Athens, also known as the Hirschfeld Krater, is 43 inches (110 cm) tall and has a circumference of 25.5 inches (65 cm). The monumental vase is hollow, with a hole at the bottom, indicating that it was not used as a mixing bowl like regular kraters. At the Dipylon Cemetery, where it was found, kraters marked the graves of men. The grave markers were also subject to be bought by wealthier families. Decorations occupy the entire vase, separated into registers containing abstract motifs or figural designs in a dark-on-light style.The prothesis scene on the Dipylon Krater, features standing women with triangular torsos surrounding a prostrate body underneath a checkered burial shroud. The women raise their arms to their head, tearing out their hair as a sign of mourning for the deceased. Abstract geometric motifs and animals fill space in between the figures in a dense style characteristic of the Late Geometric period. Underneath, the ekphora scene displays warriors with chariots, hinting out the dead man's military history while the hourglass-shaped shields transporting the body in a funeral procession.
Geometric period Dipylon Athens krater grave markers Krater