Detail of a Red-Figure Chous with Knuckebone Players in the Getty Villa, June 2016

Title: Attic Red-Figure Oinochoe (Shape III, Chous)

Artist/Maker: Attributed to Group of Boston 10.190

Culture: Greek (Attic)

Place: Athens, Greece (Place created)

Date: about 420 B.C.

Medium: Terracotta

Object Number: 96.AE.28

Dimensions: 17.3 cm (6 13/16 in.)

Alternate Titles: Red-figured chous (Display Title)
Pitcher with Knucklebone Players (Display Title)
Boys Playing Knucklebones (Published Title)

Previous Attributions: Group of Boston 10.190
Painter of Boston 10.190 (Greek (Attic), active 440 - 430 B.C.)

Object Type: Chous

Three boys wearing leafy crowns play knucklebones on this Athenian red-figure oinochoe or jug. This special form of oinochoe, called a chous, was used during the Anthesteria, a three-day festival in honor of Dionysos, the god of wine. On the first day of the festival, the new wine was opened; a drinking contest on the second day used these jugs to hold a standard amount of wine.

The scenes depicted on the choes often portray the revelry of the festival and the activities of children. The prevalent role of children in the decoration of choes presumably reflects the importance of the festival to children. On the second day of the festival, in addition to the drinking contest, three-year-old boys were formally accepted into their fathers' kinship groups, becoming part of the community.

Text from: www.getty.edu/art/collection/objects/29516/attributed-to-group-of-boston-10190-attic-red-figure-oinochoe-shape-iii-chous-greek-attic-about-420-bc