Loutrophoros facts for kids

A loutrophoros is a special type of ancient Greek pottery jar. It has a long, slender neck and two handles. The name "loutrophoros" comes from ancient Greek words meaning "bathwater" and "carry."

These unique jars were used for important ceremonies in ancient Greece. They were mainly used to carry water for a bride's special bath before her wedding. They also played a role in funeral ceremonies, especially for young people who had not yet married. Sometimes, loutrophoroi were even placed in the tombs of unmarried individuals as a symbol.

What Was a Loutrophoros Used For?

The loutrophoros was more than just a water jar; it was a symbol. Its main use was in wedding preparations. Young women would carry these jars to collect water for the bride's ritual bath. This bath was a very important part of getting ready for marriage in ancient Greece.

Loutrophoroi in Funerals

These jars also had a sadder purpose. They were used in burial ceremonies, particularly for people who died before they could get married. Placing a loutrophoros in their tomb showed that they had missed out on the chance to marry and have a family. It was a way to honor their memory and their unfulfilled life.

Sometimes, instead of a real jar, a loutrophoros was carved as a relief (a sculpture that sticks out from a flat surface) on a tombstone. This showed its importance as a symbol of life and death in ancient Greek society.

Where Can You See Loutrophoroi Today?

Many loutrophoroi have been found by archaeologists. A famous place where many were discovered is the Kerameikos in Athens, Greece. This area was an ancient cemetery. Some of these ancient jars are now kept safe in museums. You can see many examples in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

Different Styles of Loutrophoroi

Loutrophoroi came in different shapes and styles depending on when and where they were made. Some were shaped like an amphora, which is a common two-handled jar. Others might have been shaped more like a hydria, which is a water jar with three handles. Over time, the designs and decorations on these jars also changed, showing different art styles from ancient Greece.

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  Attic black-figure loutrophoros-hydria from the late 6th century BC.

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  Attic black-figure loutrophoros-amphora showing a funeral scene, 510-500 BC.

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  A marble loutrophoros from the Keramikos Museum in Athens.

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  An egg-shaped loutrophoros from Apulia, made around 330 BC.

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  A cylinder-shaped loutrophoros by the Baltimore Painter, around 330 BC.

See also

In Spanish: Lutróforo para niños