Phiale (Libation Dish)
Unknown Artist
c. 500–400 BCE
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
diam. 17.6 cm
Classification
Metalwork
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Vivian Merrin
Accession Number
1980.296
About this artwork
This phiale or libation dish takes the form of a shallow bowl with a round protrusion in the center. Dishes of this type were used for many different rituals: when asking for blessings or good fortune, giving thanks, praying for fertility, and when celebrating athletic victories or weddings. Pouring libations for the gods was one of the oldest forms of worship in the ancient world.