Examination and Analysis of an Unlabeled Artifact in the University of Alberta’s W.G. Hardy Classics Museum

Abstract

In one of the display cases at the University of Alberta’s W.G. Hardy Classics Museum is a remarkably intact, but unlabeled and unnumbered classical artifact. This artifact, while rather basic in painting and design, is nonetheless unique and offers intriguing questions as to its contextual origins. It is the purpose of this paper to offer an examination and analysis of this artifact. This will be accomplished by first exploring the artifact’s shape and artistic features. Then, the artifact’s date as well as its most probable geographical location of production will be explored. Finally, a speculation of the artifact’s usage, deposition, and purpose will be offered. Through this examination and analysis the artifact will be seen not as a basic classical ceramic lacking in great detail or pomp, but rather as a unique artifact with a rich contextual origins and much to offer the viewer in regards to the cultural extent of Greek colonization in Magna Graecia.