Description
| ITEM | Squat lekythos with palmette |
| MATERIAL | Pottery |
| CULTURE | Greek |
| PERIOD | 5th – 4th Century B.C |
| DIMENSIONS | 91 mm x 42 mm |
| CONDITION | Good condition |
| PROVENANCE | Ex French private collection, acquired between 1980s |
| PARALLEL | BRITISH MUSEUM Collection, Accession number 11.46019 |
Lekythoi are a specific type of oil flask used in ancient Greece, particularly during the Archaic and Classical periods, spanning from the 7th to the 4th century BCE. Their design was intended for holding perfumed oil or ointments used in funerary and beauty rituals.
Greek lekythoi were often adorned with artistic scenes, such as human, mythological, or geometric figures, which were frequently related to the funerary theme. Many of them were used as offerings in tombs or commemorative monuments, and their presence in burials provides valuable insights into the cultural beliefs and practices of ancient Greece concerning death and the veneration of the deceased.
These objects are highly regarded by archaeologists and art historians due to their connection to religion, mythology, and the everyday life of ancient Greece. Lekythoi serve as a window into the culture and beliefs of this civilization, and their archaeological study and artistic analysis contribute to a deeper understanding of ancient Greek society.
