Aryballos (oil container)

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Photograph by David Revette.
Aryballos (oil container)
Photograph by David Revette.
Dateearly 6th century BCE
MediumTerracotta with slip
DimensionsOverall (Height): 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm) Rim (Diam.): 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm) Diameter (Max.): 2 in. (5.1 cm) Base (Diam.): 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Edward S. Burgess, Class of 1879, H1904
Object number1929.10
Not on view
DescriptionSquat aryballos with ring base and scale pattern. "Aryballoi were used by athletes to hold oil that was rubbed onto the body before exercise or competition (Miller 2004, 14-15). They often appear hanging by a small strap from athlete's wrist in gymnasium scenes. In addition to this practical function, they were also a popular grave good and would have been a suitable votive offering in a hero sanctuary (Payne 1931, 290E). (SOURCE: The Walters Museum, Baltimore)"

Additional Details

Alternate Titles Oil container
Corinthian aryballos
Exhibition History 2012
Clinton, NY. Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art, Hamilton College. "Archive Hall: Art and Artifacts," October 6, 2012 - (no cat.).

1987
Clinton, NY. Fred L. Emerson Gallery, Hamilton College. "Ancient Vases from the Hamilton College Collection and the J. Paul Getty Museum," March 14 - May 1, 1987 (cat. no. 5).
Provenance 1929: Hamilton College (James Library) by bequest of Edward S. Burgess
Published References ANCIENT VASES FROM THE HAMILTON COLLEGE COLLECTION AND THE J. PAUL GETTY MUSEUM (exh. cat. Clinton, NY: Fred L. Emerson Gallery, 1987), 17.

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