Ka-ke-u

Definition

Ka-ke-u is a term from the Mycenaean Linear B script, referring specifically to the title of 'cupbearer' or 'poured.' This term highlights the importance of specific roles and titles within Mycenaean society, particularly related to rituals and elite feasting. It connects to broader themes of social hierarchy, administrative organization, and religious practices within Mycenaean culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term ka-ke-u appears in Linear B tablets, indicating it was likely used in administrative contexts related to the service of food or drink.
2. Cupbearers played a crucial role in elite feasting, symbolizing status and hospitality within Mycenaean society.
3. The presence of ka-ke-u on tablets demonstrates the significance of record-keeping in managing the intricate social and economic systems of Mycenaean palaces.
4. Titles like ka-ke-u reveal the stratified nature of Mycenaean society, where roles were well-defined and associated with social power and prestige.
5. In religious rituals, cupbearers would have been responsible for serving libations, making their role essential in connecting the elite with the divine.

Review Questions

• How does the role of ka-ke-u as a cupbearer reflect the social hierarchy present in Mycenaean culture?
  • The ka-ke-u as a cupbearer reflects the social hierarchy in Mycenaean culture by highlighting specialized roles within elite feasting contexts. This position was not merely about serving drinks; it signified trust and status among the ruling elite. Cupbearers were integral to maintaining social order during gatherings, showcasing their importance within the palace system where different roles had distinct levels of influence.
• In what ways does the use of Linear B script, including terms like ka-ke-u, enhance our understanding of Mycenaean administrative practices?
  • The use of Linear B script, with terms like ka-ke-u, enhances our understanding of Mycenaean administrative practices by revealing how detailed record-keeping was essential for managing complex societies. The tablets that include such titles indicate systematic organization within palatial complexes, allowing officials to track resources and personnel. This meticulous documentation reflects a sophisticated level of governance necessary for sustaining power and order in their society.
• Evaluate the significance of titles such as ka-ke-u in understanding the religious and social dynamics of Mycenaean culture.
  • Titles like ka-ke-u are significant in understanding the religious and social dynamics of Mycenaean culture because they reveal how specific roles were intertwined with both daily life and spiritual practices. The cupbearer's function was critical during rituals, linking communal feasting to religious observance. This connection illustrates how social hierarchies reinforced religious practices while also indicating that certain individuals held particular authority due to their roles, shaping both societal structures and religious experiences in Mycenaean life.

Related terms

Linear B:

An early form of Greek writing used by the Mycenaeans, primarily for record-keeping and administrative purposes.

Palatial Complexes: Large administrative and ceremonial centers in Mycenaean culture that served as hubs for political and economic activities.

Mycenaean Society: The complex social structure of the Mycenaeans, characterized by a hierarchy with a ruling elite, artisans, and laborers.