---
title: Attic Lekythos
author: Peter Roan
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/1120/attic-lekythos/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)
updated: 1970-01-01
---
# Attic Lekythos
_Authored by Peter Roan_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/1120.jpg)
## Image Caption
An Attic lekythos vase, c. 450 BCE. This type of vessel was used for storing fine oils and perfume and often dedicated in burials. Here, [Charon](https://www.worldhistory.org/Charon/) is depicted, the boatman who ferried souls across the river Styx to [Hades](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hades/). To the right is [Hermes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hermes/), identified by his kerykeion or herald's staff and fulfilling one of his functions as guide to the dead. The white-slip background is a typical decoration for lekythoi. (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)
## Cite This Work
### APA
Roan, P. (2013, March 20). Attic Lekythos. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Roan, Peter. "Attic Lekythos." *World History Encyclopedia*, March 20, 2013. .
### MLA
Roan, Peter. "Attic Lekythos." *World History Encyclopedia*, 20 Mar 2013, .
## License & Copyright
[](http://www.flickr.com/photos/peterjr1961/5176810745/)This image was first published on [Flickr](http://www.flickr.com). [Original image](http://www.flickr.com/photos/peterjr1961/5176810745/) by [**Peter Roan**](http://www.flickr.com/photos/peterjr1961/5176810745/). Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 20 March 2013. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, adapt, and build upon your work non-commercially, and although their new works must also acknowledge you and be non-commercial, they don’t have to license their derivative works on the same terms. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.