RomanArmyTalk
diadem - Printable Version

+- RomanArmyTalk (https://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat)
+-- Forum: Research Arena (https://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/forumdisplay.php?fid=4)
+--- Forum: Greek Military History & Archaeology (https://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/forumdisplay.php?fid=9)
+--- Thread: diadem (/showthread.php?tid=24482)



diadem - reham - 11-23-2014

Hello everybody,
I am wondering if anyone here saw this diadem before in any sculpture or pottery in ancient Greece i can,t find any interpretation for them may be relate with god or goddesses or religion ?



note : the second vase some scholar said it depict woman not male but i didn,t agree with them and what is he wear ? Sphendone or helmet ?



thanks in advance


diadem - Vindex - 11-23-2014

May I ask why you think these are Greek? Do you have any more information on their archaeological context and date?


diadem - reham - 11-23-2014

plastic vases from south italy in fourth century b.c but Imitates attic vases


diadem - Michael Kerr - 11-23-2014

Not too much more to add but a Google search brings up this information on the second image.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rhyton_in_the_shape_of_the_head_of_an_African_Apulia_4th_century_BCE.jpg

Regards
Michael Kerr



diadem - Youngster - 11-23-2014

What do you mean by diadem? Both items appear to be rhytons, which are ritual wine cups. They likely had ritual/relgious significance. Many rhyton were made in the shape of a beast's head. I have seen examples which are made to resemble a ram's head or a griffon, but human heads seem rarer. I have, however seen many aryballos (oil flasks) shaped as human heads. Below is a link to one also shaped as an african head.

http://art.thewalters.org/detail/4096/aryballos-in-the-form-of-head-of-an-african/


diadem - reham - 11-23-2014

diadem is a type of crown, specifically an ornamental headband
i want to know interpretation of headdress on the heads of negro not the type of vase


diadem - Youngster - 11-24-2014

I don't think the headgear on either of those pieces appears to represent a diadem of any sort, at least not as it appeared in the greek or italic world. If I had guess, I would assume that the artist was either trying to show a specific foreign article he had seen (perhaps worn by a traveling African merchant) or was otherwise just going for an exotic look, not based on any specific item.
I would note that the second rhyton shows a headdress with a spotted pattern. If I had to venture a guess id say it may be an abstract leopard skin. Skins of big cats are often tied to martial prowess, so it may show a warrior. That's really just a guess.
I'd bet there are some fora with a focus more on ancient Africa, and they may be able to help you out more. After a quick search I can't find any African art from the classical period that closely matches the double headband or the spotted hood.