Shelf 8. Grecee

Neck amphora (ἀμφορεύς)

Amphoras are characterized by round forms that narrow at the bottom with handles on either side. Those on view in our exhibition are neck amphoras, which have more ovular silhouettes and more clearly articulated necks. Certain amphoras have more pointed bottoms and were made for shipping, while others have feet that allow them to stand on their own.

Many neck amphoras were decorated with painted black figures, a style that was prominent in Greece between the seventh and fifth centuries BC and continued to be produced until the second century BC. The vast majority of vessels with black figure painting originate from the Attica region surrounding Athens. Amphoras were used primarily for storing various types of liquids and grains.

Aryballos (ἀρύβαλλος)

An aryballos is a small, round jar with a narrow neck that was used to store oils and perfumes. They were often used by athletes, and there are many depictions of athletes with an aryballos hanging from a strap around their wrist or from a wall. Aryballoi were made in many forms, and archaeologists have found jars in the shape of heads, owls, hedgehogs, feet, and snails.

Lekythos (λήκυθος)

Lekythos jars are characterized by an erect form and narrow neck with a small handle. Often the handles are hidden when lekythoi are exhibited or photographed, since they are painted and decorated on the opposite side. Lekythoi were used to store perfumed oil, particularly for weddings. In preparation for getting married, women were anointed with aromatic oils from such jars. Because of this connection to weddings, it was common for unmarried women who died to be buried with lekythoi and to be anointed with the same kinds of oils in preparation for marriage in the afterlife. There are therefore many lekythoi with paintings that represent loss, absence, or funeral scenes.