Grave amphora

Greek grave amphoras were monuments that were partly interred in the burial mound. They had no bottom, so that rain water could drain off. In this way it was also possible to pour out libations for the dead. Underneath the amphora the ashes of the deceased were buried, usually accompanied by all kinds of funerary gifts.
As a rule, the painted decorations were simple, built up of geometrical motifs, applied on the vase’s surface with mathematical precision. In this case the motifs are separated by vertical meandering bands. The amphora’s shoulder has been painted with zigzags and serrated motifs. Thinner bands run down to the foot and there is a meandering band right below the middle.
Slightly above the middle of the vase we encounter a figurative representation of the funeral procession, called ekphora in Greek. Small, two-wheeled chariots, each drawn by a single horse, are proceeding in line. The horses are driven by bearded warriors. The figurines are represented as silhouettes. The strongly stylized horse figures have a pronounced, strong effect. The space between the chariots has been filled with geometrical motifs.