Exaleiptra were designed to hold liquids such as unguents and perfumed oils, the deeply incurved rim preventing spillage while being moved. Culture Greek, Corinthian, Late Corinthian period, mid 6th Century BC An exaleiptron was an ancient Greek container used to hold perfumed oils or ointments, named from the Greek verb "to anoint". Its distinctive design, with a deep, inward-curving lip, prevented the precious liquid from spilling, making it useful for personal grooming, baths, banquets, and religious rites, but most notably as a funerary gift for the dead.