Barry Cunlife - The Scythians

gallery of objects
with closely spaced, narrow petals. The upper register depicts male members of the
elite engaged in feasting. It is divided into two scenes.
In the less well-preserved scene two bearded figures, seated facing each other, are
engaged in lively conversation. They are both dressed in decorated trousers and wear
long belted coats with fringes at the bottom. Both have gorytoi slung from their belts;
one holds a beaker. They are approached on both sides by subservient beings on their
knees (fitting conveniently below the lug handles). The man on the viewer’s right
appears to touch his head in obeisance (though could it be that he banged his head on
the handle?). The unbearded man on the right blows up a goat skin cushion presumably
to provide his master with greater comfort.
The other pair of figures, on the better preserved side of the vessel, both bearded
with long hair, recline towards each other. Both hold what could be a mace in one
hand resting its end on one knee. The right-hand figure leans his right arm over his
shield, his hand resting on what appears to be a whip. The hilt of his long sword,
lying prominently on the ground, is within easy reach. The other man’s left hand is at
ease but sufficiently close to the quiver of his gorytos for quick action if necessary. A
second gorytos is perched close to his right knee against what may be another whip.
Both men wear elaborately decorated, belted coats with long fringes at the bottom.
All the men exude an air of authority, which is enhanced in one case by the subservient
courtiers and in the other by the prominent display of weapons and symbols of
authority. There can be little doubt that these were men of power and the scenes may
be intended to represent historic meetings.
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