Unknown Maker, Greek

Many extant ancient objects were
originally deposited as grave goods in tombs, where they were protected from
theft or destruction. Grave gifts often included items that belonged to the
deceased, such as mirrors, toys, ceramics, and even weapons. Much of the tableware in this case would have held food and
wine offerings to nourish the spirit of the deceased.

Without a proper funeral, a shade (the
part of a person left behind after death), could not enter the underworld.
Greek funerals began with the prothesis, during which the body was laid
out for mourners to visit and pay their respects. Then the body was brought to
the cemetery in an  ekphora, or
funeral procession. The final stage in the funeral was the actual interment.
Tombs, statues, and gravemarkers (stelai) marked the sites where
visitors could remember and make offerings to the dead.