Aryballos

Cockleshells aryballos Met 23.160.33

Aryballos (plural: aryballoi) is a small, spherical or globular ancient Greek vase used primarily for holding oils and perfumes. These vessels were particularly popular during the Archaic period and were often carried by athletes to the gymnasium.

Description

Aryballoi are characterized by their small size, typically ranging from 5 to 10 centimeters in height. They have a narrow neck, a wide mouth, and a single handle attached to the neck and shoulder. The shape of the aryballos evolved over time, with early examples being more globular and later examples becoming more elongated and ovoid.

Historical Context

The aryballos was an essential item in the daily life of ancient Greeks, especially athletes who used it to carry oils for anointing their bodies before and after exercise. The vessel's design allowed for easy transport, often being attached to the wrist or hung from a belt.

Decoration

Aryballoi were often decorated with intricate designs and motifs, including geometric patterns, mythological scenes, and animal figures. The decoration techniques included black-figure pottery and red-figure pottery, which were prominent styles in ancient Greek vase painting.

Cultural Significance

The aryballos is a significant artifact in the study of ancient Greek culture and daily life. It provides insight into the practices of personal grooming and the importance of athleticism in Greek society. The vessel's decoration also offers valuable information about the artistic styles and iconography of the period.

Archaeological Findings

Aryballoi have been discovered in various archaeological sites across the ancient Greek world, including Athens, Corinth, and Olympia. These findings have helped historians and archaeologists understand the distribution and use of these vessels in different regions.

See Also

• Ancient Greek pottery
• Black-figure pottery
• Red-figure pottery
• Gymnasium (ancient Greece)
• Archaic period in Greece