Aryballos (Oil Bottle) in the Shape of a Warrior’s Head (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
Aryballoi, vessels holding scented oils, are usually small and have narrow necks to prevent their contents from spilling. Athletes used these oils for cleaning and refreshing their skin after exercising at the gymnasium. This aryballos, in the form of a helmeted head, perfectly fits two of the most important activities of Greek men—exercise (training) and warfare.
Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
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