Big jars for big celebrations

Many figuratively-decorated ceramics are large vessels, containers of both liquids and solids. It is tempting to imagine how these vessels were displayed at the same parties, parades or celebrations that are described in its decorations, perhaps as containers of food to share out in feasts.
This showcase highlights a large jar decorated with six male characters, of profiled silhouettes, armed with darts or small spears, and holding hands. Some of them wear a small ribbon or twill tape round the neck, which is also found in other horse and foot warriors represented on other vessels. This has been interpreted as a rank or group symbol.