2-734-387 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Loutrophoros, c. 500 BC. The loutrophoros was used to carry water from the sacred spring of Enneakrounos for use in a ceremonial bath before marriage. Therefore, these vases were placed over the tombs of unmarried persons for use in the afterworld. Neck: Mourning women (both sides) Front: Six women mourn before the funeral couch of a young man. Inscriptions above the women’s shoulders do not form complete words. A loutrophoros had specific ritual uses. It was used for the bridal bath and also to wash the body of a deceased unmarried person before burial. Back: On the body is a line of three mourning men.