kanephoros

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A young unmarried woman in ancient Greece who carried a sacred basket in a religious procession

noun
/kəˈnɛfərəs/

Archaic

: kanephoros

Ancient vases often depict a kanephoros carrying a basket on her head during ceremonies.

Examples

The honor of being chosen as kanephoros was reserved for unmarried girls from noble families.
During the Panathenaic festival, the kanephoros walked at the front of the procession.
The kanephoros led the procession with grace.
In ancient Athens, a kanephoros was highly honored.
During the Panathenaic festival, the kanephoros walked at the front of the procession.
The honor of being chosen as kanephoros was reserved for unmarried girls from noble families.
Ancient vases often depict a kanephoros carrying a basket on her head during ceremonies.

Surface Forms

kanephoros singular

kanephoroi plural

Etymology

The word kanephoros comes from Greek parts kane- meaning 'basket' and -phoros meaning 'bearer', so it literally means 'basket-bearer'. Think of a 'porter', someone who carries things, and that image explains why kanephoros names a young woman who carried a sacred basket in a religious procession.