Terracotta loutrophoros (ceremonial vase for water), Archaic, late 6th century BC, Greek, Attic, Terracotta; black-figure, H 27 3/4 in (705 cm), Vases, Prothesis (laying out of the dead); below, horsemen, On the neck, mourners Loutrophoroi were used to fe

Terracotta loutrophoros (ceremonial vase for water), Archaic, late 6th century BC, Greek, Attic, Terracotta; black-figure, H 27 3/4 in (705 cm), Vases, Prothesis (laying out of the dead); below, horsemen, On the neck, mourners Loutrophoroi were used to fetch water for the bridal bath and for certain funerary rites This vase may have been used in rituals at the grave, for it was made with no bottom so that offerings poured into it could reach the dead under ground. (Photo by: Sepia Times/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)