The holes may be for pipes to place the oinochoe in water to cool the wine. The scene may show the fight between Pylos and Epians (Iliad XI). The human figures are highly stylized in the Geometric period (1100-700 B.C.) and horizontal bands and decorative abstract designs cover most of the surface including the handle. The Greek word for wine is "oinos" and an oinochoe was a wine pouring jar. The shape of the mouth of the oinochoe is described as trefoil.
Oinochoe
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