Can you say the phrase ‘Cycladic cylindrical pyxis’ three times fast? What a tongue twister!
The pyxis (plural pyxides) has been found buried in prehistoric and ancient Greek graves – but we still don’t know exactly how they were used. They are usually decorated in beautiful geometric patterns and can be made from all types of materials – this one features a herringbone pattern. Their small size leads many historians to believe that they may have held shiny jewels, perfumes, or ancient knick-knacks! Or perhaps they may have held nothing at all, existing as a symbolic or spiritual object for the afterlife. How mysterious!