Lebes Gamikos

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Lebes Gamikos by Asteas, c. 340 BC, National Archaeological Museum of Spain
Lebes Gamikos by Asteas, c. 340 BC, National Archaeological Museum of Spain

The lebes gamikos, or "nuptial lebes," (plural - lebetes gamikoi) is a form of ancient Greek Pottery used in marriage ceremonies. It was probably used in the ritual sprinkling of the bride with water before the wedding. In form, it has a large bowl-like body and a stand that can be long or short. Painted scenes are placed on either the body of the vessel or the stand.

A typical lebes gamikos shows wedding scenes (including mythic weddings such as the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, but the iconography be also be related to scenes such as mimes.

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