What Do the Outside Artifacts Tell Us?
Along with the items found in Aidona, our exhibit houses several artifacts that were generously loaned by outside organizations. These artifacts are the terracotta loutrophoros, the gold arm bands, the terracotta krater, the terracotta funerary plaque, a bronze spearhead, an iron sword, and a funerary lion sculpture. While each of these items originated from different contexts and people, they were all made and at one point used in Greece for burial or funerary purposes. Looking at each individual item what information can you pull? How can this tell you about the life (and death) of its owner?
For example, looking at the golden arm bands, we can see that are representations of the demigod Triton. This can inform us that whoever wore these was most likely someone who was of higher status, reflecting the powerful character in mythology. We know that the bands were made from a precious metal which would have made it a luxury item. This can inform us that this person also had considerable wealth. Other items such as the funerary plaque and the lion sculpture might not be able to tell us as much about the individual, but rather can tell us about the role of funerary ceremonies in the ancient Greek world. When looking at the plaque and the sculpture, we can assume that whoever’s funeral these were used in most likely had wealth. These sculptures were more expensive to make and transport so we can assume that the intricate funeral ceremonies these were used in were something that only wealthier people could take part in. that is not to say that citizens with less wealth and status did not have funerals and burial systems, but that they likely had a lesser amount of burial goods made with expensive materials.