The octopus style

Meet the star of the jar: the octopus (or rather: octopuses, since there is a second one depicted on the other side of the vase). Similar depictions of octopuses have been found on other carriers in Bronze Age Greece. The distribution of the octopus style suggests a degree of cultural and material continuity. But within this octopus style, we can discern regional variations which can be linked to the fragmentation of the Aegean during the Post-Palatial Period (cc. 1200-1100 BCE). Because it is likely that the development and spread of different styles of Octopus Stirrup Jar (OSJ) paintings reflects wider societal shifts that accompanied the fall of the Mycenaean palaces, the study of OSJs can offer insights into the political, economic and societal situation of this period. As such, these vases form a surprisingly rich source for studying the Greek ‘Dark Ages’. Octopus jars emerged at a time when many art forms died out. Before we go closer, let us give you a bit of context...