Household Items
Dublin Core
Title
Household Items
Description
In modern scholarship, historians have begun learning more about the daily life of the Byzantines. Emerging from the Pagan society of the Romans, Byzantium quickly turned to the a religion, Christianity. Many of the most brilliant examples of Byzantine culture are manifested as liturgical objects, or ecclesiastical architecture that has survived modern times. However, there is a much more intimate and personal side of history as well. Objects from the household provide insight into daily life of a Byzantine family. Homes in Byzantine were not only a place for resting one’s head; they were also for devoted members of society to continue their religious, personal, and artistic lives. Items as simple as jugs used for washing, or trunks that held valuables, carried icons from the Bible as decoration. Ornament and functional items often held a larger insight into the attitudes and artistic views of ordinary people in Byzantium.
Contributor
Emily Feyrer
Collection Items
Standing Warrior from a Rosette Casket
This ivory fragment is thick and conical, due to the natural curve of the elephant tusk from which it is carved. The high relief creates extreme shadows and contrast between the warrior and the background. Although the ivory is worn, the warrior’s…
Fragment of a Hanging with Two Figures in Arcades
This textile furnishing was found in Egypt in a burial context, alongside many other tapestry fragments. Originally used as a wall hanging, this piece was likely manufactured in a workshop where textiles of a similar nature were made. It was…
Sculpted Head of a Dionysiac Figure (Pan?)
This figural sculpture presented is possibly representative of two mythological Gods from the Greek antiquity, Dionysius or Pan. Dionysius is known as the God of fertility and wildlife but also wine. Pan is known as the God of flocks and pastures…
Ewer with Humans and Animals
This ewer, or a washing vessel, was typically used in either a domestic or liturgical setting. The setting in which the ewer was used is currently unknown considering the figural elements. Drawing from either the secular or religion world, it…