Phiale (Libation Dish)

Description

This phiale or libation dish takes the form of a shallow bowl with a round protrusion in the center. Dishes of this type were used for many different rituals: when asking for blessings or good fortune, giving thanks, praying for fertility, and when celebrating athletic victories or weddings. Pouring libations for the gods was one of the oldest forms of worship in the ancient world.

Provenance

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Phiale (Libation Dish)

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c. 500–400 BCE

Accession Number

1980.296

Medium

bronze

Dimensions

Diameter: 17.6 cm (6 15/16 in.)

Classification

Metalwork

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Vivian Merrin