lekythos (Jug)

Jar for containing oil which is used instead of soap. It is applied to the body and scraped off. Minature versions are used as offerings to the dead in burials. The size also suggests it was worn on the wrist. Used as votive offerings, or in ancestor worship. The quality of the jug suggests it belonged to a middle-class family.

votive offering

Size of the jug is symbolic and represents an oil jar.

Small squat lekythos with a flaring mouth and a handle that extends from the base of the mouth to the shoulder. Painted black with the faint outline of a palmette motif on the side opposite the handle.