Animal-Shaped Vessels from the Ancient World: Feasting with Gods, Heroes, and Kings

Date: 

Wednesday, December 12, 2018 (All day)

Repeats every day until Sun Jan 06 2019

Location: 

Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy Street, Cambridge

Animal-Shaped Vessels from the Ancient World: Feasting with Gods, Heroes, and Kings brings together nearly 60 elaborate vessels of animal shape from collections in the United States and Europe. While the songs, speeches, and prayers that enlivened ancient feasts are now largely lost to us, these vessels have survived, offering a glimpse into the rich symbolism and communal practices that found expression at these gatherings. Taking animal-shaped vessels as performative props in the multifaceted world of feasting, the exhibition not only introduces the social and ceremonial functions of these ritual occasions, but also highlights the essential and universal role played by food and drink—and by the highly imaginative containers used to enjoy these refreshments.

Learn more about Animal-Shaped Vessels from the Ancient World: Feasting with Gods, Heroes, and Kings.