Loutrophoros Pottery

Terracotta loutrophoros, Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), New York

Loutrophoros Pottery

 A loutrophoros is a distinctive type of Greek pottery characterized by an elongated neck with two handles. They were used to transport and store various liquids, dry goods, and sometimes the ashes of the deceased. However, the vessel was much more than just an ordinary vase to the Greeks. In English “loutrophoros” can be translated as “bathwater,” from loutron, and “carry,” from phero; as such, it was used to carry water for a bride’s prenuptial ritual bath. It was also used in funerary rituals and as place markers for the graves of the unwed. 

On the neck of the vase a loutrophoria procession of women who carry torches and play the flutes is depicted. The body of the vase is decorated with the transfer of the bride to the groom's house with the accompaniment of gods, whose presence elevates the status of the marriage and highlights its sanctity. The newlyweds are on a lavish four-horse chariot driven by the groom. From the bride only her raised hand can be seen. Hermes, with his caduceus and winged sandals, leads the procession. Apollo with his lyre flanks the chariot ready to accompany the couple with the songs of the hymenaios. Across from Apollo a woman, possibly a goddess, holds a flower. Following the chariot is the bride’s mother, who holds a torch lit from the family hearth whose flame will protect her daughter until she reaches her new home. 

Information compiled in this site come from the following sources; British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian Institute, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Acropolis Museum, Encyclopedia Britannica, Egypt Time Travel, Journey to Egypt, Getty Institute, Boston Museum of Fine Art 

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