A small vase, usually with a spherical or piriform (pear-shaped) body, and narrow neck and mouth, used to store and transport perfumed oils. Classical vase-painting provides evidence that aryballoi formed part of athletes’ equipment, as they contained oils used to anoint the body. Aryballoi, often in the shape of humans and animals, were also used as grave goods. In historical times they were made by many local workshops in the decorative styles of each period (e.g. Orientalising Style, Black-figure Style).