Definition
The phrase “band skyphos” does not correspond to a distinct, widely recognized type of artefact in standard archaeological or classical‑studies literature. It appears to be a descriptive term that could denote a skyphos—a deep, two‑handled drinking cup of ancient Greek origin—featuring a decorative band or rim decoration.
Overview
Skyphoi (plural of skyphos) were common ceramic vessels used for drinking wine in ancient Greece and later in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Variations in shape, size, and decoration led to sub‑categories (e.g., conical‑necked skyphos, satyr‑mask skyphos). The adjective “band” is occasionally employed in museum catalogues to indicate a circumferential ornamental strip, such as painted bands, incised patterns, or applied metal‑foil, applied to the vessel’s body or rim. No separate typology titled “band skyphos” is documented in major reference works (e.g., Corpus Vasorum Antiquorum, Beazley’s Attic Red-Figure Vase-Painting).
Etymology / Origin
- Skyphos (Greek σκυφος) derives from the ancient Greek word for “cup” or “drinking vessel.”
- Band is an English noun meaning a strip or loop, often used in archaeology to describe a continuous decorative element encircling a vessel.
The compound phrase likely originated in modern descriptive cataloguing rather than in ancient terminology.
Characteristics
When the descriptor “band” is applied to a skyphos, it generally refers to one or more of the following features:
| Feature | Typical Description |
|---|---|
| Band Placement | Encircles the shoulder, neck, or rim of the cup; sometimes located at the midpoint of the vessel’s body. |
| Decoration | Painted geometric motifs (e.g., meanders, concentric circles), incised lines, appliqué ivory or metal strips, or added glaze bands. |
| Material | Primarily Attic or South Italian red‑figure/black‑figure pottery; occasional metal or terracotta variants. |
| Function | Continues the general function of the skyphos as a drinking vessel; the band is decorative rather than structural. |
Because “band skyphos” is not a formally defined type, specific measurements, stylistic periods, or cultural attributions cannot be universally assigned.
Related Topics
- Skyphos – the broader class of ancient Greek two‑handled drinking cups.
- Band (archaeology) – term for decorative strips on pottery, metalwork, and other artefacts.
- Attic red‑figure pottery – a major style in which many skyphoi with decorative bands are found.
- Ceramic typology – systematic classification of pottery based on form and decoration.
Note: Accurate information about a distinct “band skyphos” as a separate typological category is not confirmed in scholarly sources. The term is best understood as a descriptive modifier rather than a formally recognized artefact type.