Pelike is a terracotta vessel used for storage or transportation of liquids in ancient Greece. The spelling of the word Pelike is determined by the Greek origin of the word, which is transliterated from the Greek alphabet. The IPA transcription of Pelike is /pɛlkɛ/ which indicates that the 'e' sound is pronounced as a short vowel, and the emphasis is placed on the last syllable. In Greek, the word Pelike is spelled πελίκη (pelíki), which uses the Greek letter 'ι' to represent the 'i' sound in the second syllable.
A pelike is a type of ancient Greek pottery vessel that originated during the 6th century BCE. It is characterized by its distinctive shape, which resembles an elongated jar with two handles on either side. Typically, a pelike has a wide body and a narrow, flared neck. The vessel is usually supported by a short, thick foot, enabling it to stand upright. The word "pelike" is derived from the Greek word "pelikos," which means "cup."
Pelikes were primarily used for storing and serving liquids such as wine or oil. They played an essential role in Greek daily life, particularly during social gatherings, religious ceremonies, and symposia. The vessel's wide mouth and handles made it convenient for pouring and easy to transport.
Pelikes were also highly decorative, featuring various motifs and scenes that depicted mythological, heroic, or everyday life themes. The decoration was often painted with a black-figure or red-figure technique, where the outlines of the design were incised or reserved in clay and then filled with black or red pigment. Artists utilized these vessels as canvases to showcase their mastery and creativity.
Today, pelikes are highly valued archaeological artifacts, providing valuable insights into ancient Greek culture, religious practices, and artistic traditions. They are significant not just for their aesthetic appeal but also for the historical and cultural knowledge they hold, making them highly sought after by collectors, historians, and art enthusiasts around the world.
The word "Pelike" derives from the Greek language. It comes from the Ancient Greek word "pélikē" (πέλικη), which means "a wooden container for holding liquids". The term was later used to describe a specific type of ancient Greek pottery vessel with a distinctive shape and function. The word "pelike" itself possibly comes from the Greek word "pellex" (πέλλεξ), which means "container".