Description

Pottery lidded lebes gamikos with two handles and a pronounced foot.
Decorated on the body and lid in light brown with concentric bands.

Messapia , Greek South Italy c. 4th Century BC

Height: 11 cms

Condition:  Without fault, a little rubbed, some accretions
on the slightly ill fitting lid.

The lebes gamikos, or “nuptial lebes,” is a form of ancient Greek Pottery
used in marriage ceremonies (literally, it means marriage vase). It was
probably used in the ritual sprinkling of the bride with water before the wedding.