Amphora is the name of one of the most important objects from antiquity. Amphora is a container made of clay, metal, glass or stone, with a narrow neck and two handles. Amphora's were mainly used for transporting and storing oil, wine and fish sauces, for the sake of stacking ships were the pointed bottom. Content, year, source, manufacturer and or the merchants name could be punched or painted on the amphora. It is this information which has proved to be very important when researching ancient trades. They are occasionally so well preserved that the original content is still present, providing information on foodstuffs and mercantile systems. The widespread use, the importance and easily recognizable shape and form has made the Amphora into one of antiquities biggest icons. Easter in Corfu is a must and involves a different view on pots / vases / amphoras. Throwing custom takes place, and the local people throw pots with water out of their windows, smashing them onto the streets below. This noisy custom, originating with the Venetians, began in the town and spread to the villages. The Venetians used to throw all their old and useless objects out of the window on January 1st each year, so that the New Year might bring them new ones. The Corfiots adopted this custom and moved it to their great Easter celebration. Nowadays, instead of throwing out old crockery, the people use big, specially made pots (called a 'botis'), filled with water to make a louder crash. At Pinia, the old commercial centre of the town, the custom of the 'mastelas' (washtub) has been revived. A half-barrel decorated with myrtle and ribbons is filled with water, and passers-by are invited to throw coins into it for good luck. When the first bell sounds for the Resurrection, someone jumps into the barrel and collects up the money. In old times the diver was not a volunteer but an unsuspecting passer-by, thrown in against his will..
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