LOUTERIA DI PRODUZIONE CORINZIA DAL TIMPONE MOTTA DI FRANCAVILLA MARITTIMA IN CALABRIA: OSSERVAZIONI PRELIMINARI.

The article examines several ceramic fragments found at Timpone della Motta near Francavilla Marittima (Calabria) during the excavations conducted on the site by the GIA (Groningen Institute of Archaeology). The fragments in question pertain to eight basins of Corinthian production identified as louteria; these are particularly interesting due to their form, which is in some way much simplified and does not yet correspond to that of the well-studied louteria of larger size, widespread in the following period. The contexts in which four of the Corinthian louteria iu ere found does not permit their precise insertion in the various phases of temple V, since they were discovered in stratigraphies disturbed by clandestine excavation. On the other hand, the four other fragments were found in temple Vd, in undisturbed strata datable to the mid 7^th century BC. The small number of louteria so far found would seem to preclude, for the time being, their possible use as ex-votos, suggesting their interpretation instead as vessels at the service of the temple rite and liturgy. In particular, microscopic analysis of the louteria of smaller dimensions has revealed, at least in one of the two examples, a slight reddening of the fabric which has aroused some legitimate doubts about the effective use of such vessels. It is probable they were used occasionally to burn perfumed essences. These, mixed with water, thus constituted the "fuel" which would have burned slowly through a wick. This would explain why the traces are so faint, caused by a controlled and brief act of combustion; the burning of the essences would have occurred for a limited period of time, just for a few hours at the most and no doubt in connection with one ceremony alone. This type of incense-burner was introduced in the sanctuary almost concurrently with the construction, of the temple itself, i.e. in the period c 660/650 BC. The arrival of the louteria, together with other ritual changes datable to the mid 7^th century BC, can be interpreted as a key moment of Greek influence on the ceremonial conducted in the sanctuary, an influence that had already begun in the first half of the 8^th century BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]