SOS-type transport amphora

SOS-type transport amphora
Attic production
Late 7th century BC
Painted pottery

The vase dates to the later phase of the SOS amphora group (so named for the characteristic decorative motif, here painted on the neck, alternating symbols resembling S and O). This type of transport amphora — probably used for olive oil — was produced in Attica.

Such amphorae were widespread throughout the Greek world: examples have been found in Athens, Corinth, Rhodes, Santorini, as well as in Asia Minor, Egypt, and various areas of southern Italy and Sicily. Earlier examples are known from Cerveteri and Veii, while later variants have been found in Vulci, showing slight changes in form.

On both sides of the amphora a butterfly is painted, making the vase exceptional within this class of production. The painted butterfly may suggest the vessel’s possible reuse as an ossuary. The butterfly, recalling the metamorphosis from chrysalis, could symbolise the passage from death to the afterlife: in Greek, the word psyché meant both “butterfly” and “soul.”

Finally, on the vessel’s shoulder is a Greek inscription, kalós — meaning “beautiful” — engraved from right to left, with some letters inverted or overlapping. SOS amphorae often bear inscriptions, sometimes simple abbreviations referring to capacity or shipment order, but the inscription kalós appears to be so far unattested.