Lead cylindrical pyxis with its lid
Pyxides are vessels, in which women kept jewellery or cosmetics. They were the equivalent of today’s jewellery case. The name pyxis was given to these vessels because they were originally made of wood. There were clay, alabaster, silver and lead pyxides, which are imitations of the silver ones.
In addition to being cosmetic vessels, pyxides were associated with worship, as they were often votive offerings to a deity or they were cult vessels themselves.
This particular pyxis dates back to around 300 BC. Together with various other objects, it accompanied a 50-year-old woman to her final resting place. It was found closed and placed upright. Although the interior was empty, it is believed to have contained cosmetic substances.
