Since men spent most of their time away from their houses, Greek home
life was run by women. The wife was in charge of raising the
children, spinning, weaving and sewing the family´s clothes. She
supervised the daily running of the household. There were large
numbers of female slaves available to cook, clean, and carry water
from the fountain. Only in the poorest homes did the wife do these
jobs herself. Male slaves responsibilities were mainly
door&endash;keepers and tutors to the male children.
Greek
women only went outside the house to visit with their nearest female
neighbors. This rule was very strict, except for weddings, funerals
and state religious festivals in which women were expected to
participate.
Vase scenes showing women inside their houses tend to have few details. The common showing of columns suggests that women spent much of their time in the courtyard of the house, the one place where they could regularly enjoy fresh air. Greek cooking equipment was small and light and could easily be set up there. In sunny weather, women probably sat in the roofed&endash;over areas of the courtyard, for it was fashionable to have a pale complexion. Only people who had to work outside all day had a suntan.
|
|
Attic Red Figure Kylix |
