Phiale (libation Vessel)

In the material culture of classical antiquity, a ''patera'' () or ''phiale'' ( ) is a shallow ceramic or metal libation bowl. It often has a bulbous indentation (''omphalos'', "belly button") in the center underside to facilitate holding it, in which case it is sometimes called a ''mesomphalic phiale''. It typically has no handles, and no feet.

Although the two terms may be used interchangeably, particularly in the context of Etruscan culture, ''phiale'' is more common in reference to Greek forms, and ''patera'' in Roman settings. The form should be distinguished from a drinking cup with handles, and often a stem, of which the most common type is called a ''kylix'', and a circular platter with a pair of C-handles is not a ''patera'', though a few ''paterae'' have single long straight handles (see ''trulla'' below).

Use

Libation was a central and vital aspect of ancient Greek religion, and one of the simplest and most common forms of religious practice. It is one of the basic religious acts that define piety in ancient Greece, dating back to the Bronze Age and even prehistoric Greece. Libations were a part of daily life, and the pious might perform them every day in the morning and evening, as well as to begin meals. A libation most often consisted of mixed wine and water, but could also be unmixed wine, honey, oil, water, or milk.

The form of libation called ''spondē'' is typically the ritualized pouring of wine from a jug or bowl held in the hand. The most common ritual was to pour the liquid from an '' oinochoē'' (wine jug) into a ''phiale''. Libation generally accompanied prayer. The Greeks stood when they prayed, either with their arms uplifted, or in the act of libation with the right arm extended to hold the ''phiale''. After the wine offering was poured from the ''phiale'', the remainder of the contents was drunk by the celebrant.

In Roman art, the libation is shown performed at an altar, ''mensa'' (sacrificial meal table), or tripod. It was the simplest form of sacrifice, and could be a sufficient offering by itself. The introductory rite (''praefatio'') to an animal sacrifice included an incense and wine libation onto a burning altar. Both emperors and divinities are frequently depicted, especially on coins, pouring libations from a ''patera''. Scenes of libation and the ''patera'' itself commonly signify the quality of ''pietas'', religious duty or reverence.

Handled pans

In Roman contexts ''patera'' is sometimes used for what is normally called a '' trulla''. These are deep round pans with a single flat handle, for cooking and serving food. The Staffordshire Moorlands Pan is an example, although it has lost its handle.

File:Phiale Louvre L210.jpg, Octopus and dolphin motifs on a ceramic ''phiale'' (510–500 BC, from Eretria, Euboea)
File:Apollo black bird AM Delphi 8140.jpg, Cylix of Apollo, who pours a libation (Attic white-ground ''kylix'', c. 460 BC)
File:Phiale69.1.jpg, Silver ''phiale'' with Amazonomachy (430-420 BC, Vassil Bojkov collection, Sofia, Bulgaria)
File:Met, greek, gold phiale, 4-3rd cventury BC 01.JPG, Gold ''phiale'' with repoussé bees, acorns, and beechnuts and Greek and Punic inscription (4th–3rd century BC, Met)
File:Etruscan - Priest - Walters 541088.jpg, Etruscan priest with ''phiale'' (2nd century BC)
File:Pátera ibera de Perotito (M.A.N. 1917-39-1) 01.jpg, Silver ''patera'' from Hispania ( Roman Spain), 2nd–1st century BC)
File:State Museum of History of Georgia (Tbilisi Archaeological Museum) 3.jpg, ''Patera'' with Marcus Aurelius (Georgia, 2nd century AD)
File:RMW - Opfernder Togatus.jpg, Roman priest, ''capite velato'' (2nd–3rd century AD)
File:Ancient syro-romanian silver Patera.jpg, Silver ''patera'' from Syria with figures from the founding of Rome (2nd century AD, British Museum

Architecture

In architecture, oval features on plaster friezes on buildings may be called ''paterae'' (plural).

See also

*'' Parabiago patera'', which is actually a platter or plate
*Piyāla - small ceramic easily stackable bowl used by Eurasian nomads people for drinking and Libations

References

{{Greek Vases

Ancient Roman religion
Ancient Greek pot shapes
Libation
Ancient Greek metalwork