The Pitharin: History of 4,000 years
The pitharin that will adorn our Botanic Garden at the outskirts of the village. Tradition returns where it belongs. Perfumery is a recreation of an ancient pitharin, based on findings from the archaeological site of Mavrorachi. A piece of Cyprus’ past that is reborn to meet the present.
The process of antiquity has already begun by the artist Andrea Fasoulidis, with materials, techniques and care that honour the history of the place.
Very soon it will be in the Botanical Park, ready to tell our guests about Cyprus’ deep relationship with the land, herbs and creation. A piece of memory that becomes a living experience.
The Ancient Pitharin: A Glimpse into Mavrorachi’s Past
Based on findings from the archaeological site of Mavrorachi, we can reconstruct the story of the ancient pithos, a large storage vessel central to daily life. These monumental clay containers, often called pitharia, reveal a great deal about the economic and domestic activities of the settlement.
A Centre for Storage and Surplus
The inhabitants of Mavrorachi primarily used these pitharia for storing vital agricultural goods. Archaeologists have found evidence within the vessels confirming they held grains, olive oil, and wine. This large-scale storage capacity demonstrates that the community produced a significant agricultural surplus. Such surplus was crucial for sustaining the population throughout the year and formed the basis for trade and economic stability.
Craftsmanship and Local Production
The distinctive clay fabric of the recovered pitharia matches local sources, indicating that potters manufactured the vessels nearby. This suggests a robust, local ceramic industry at Mavrorachi. The craftspeople designed these containers with thick walls and a wide body, creating a stable shape ideal for long-term storage and fermentation. Their
considerable size and weight meant people typically kept them in a fixed position, often partially sunk into the floors of storerooms.
The Pitharin: A Vessel of Social and Economic Life
The presence of these pitharia signifies more than just storage; it points to a complex, organized society. Controlling surplus resources required careful planning and social structure. Furthermore, the scale of production implies that the community was likely engaging in trade, using the contents of these vessels as a commodity. The ancient pithos was not merely a container but a fundamental pillar supporting the economy and daily sustenance at Mavrorachi.
