The oenochoe was found in the Phoenician-Punic necropolis of Sulky, in an unknown grave. The rim was broken and has been reassembled (figs. 1-2).

This is a jug characterised by a tri-lobate lip, i.e., with three lobes, and is a container for liquids, created specifically for wine.

Fig. 1 - The oenochoe from Sulky decorated with palmetto leaves (photo by Unicity S.p.A).

Fig. 2 - The oenochoe from Sulky. Detail of the jug (photo by Unicity S.p.A.).

Fig. 3 - The oenochoe from Sulky (photo by Unicity S.p.A).

The oenochoe from Sulky may be dated between the late sixth and fifth centuries B.C., because from the time of the Carthaginian conquest of Sardinia and throughout the fourth century B.C., the only Greek imported ceramics used in Punic towns were those from Attica, i.e. produced in Athens and the Attica region (fig. 3).

Fig. 4 - Oenochoe found in Rhodes, seventh century B.C. Louvre Museum, Paris (from http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oinochoe#/media/File:Oinoche_Camiros_fantastic_Louvre_A318.jpg).

This type of pottery was mainly found in graves, but it was also discovered in the town of Sulky, and is extremely widespread in Sardinia.

What were oenochoes used for? As the name implies, the word consists of the term Oinus (wine) and the verb cheo (to), they were wine jugs which were used during Greek symposia (social occasions associated with banquets), along with other containers, and were therefore similar to another ritual feast which originated in near eastern areas, the marzeah, in which wine was a very important element, able to put man in contact with divinities, and whose very ancient roots were linked to the worship of heroes and kings. Besides their strong symbolic value, the presence of this type of ceramic also indicates a high social status, since these are luxury objects which not everyone could afford.