larnax

/ ˈlɑːnæks /

noun

1. archaeol a coffin made of terracotta

Word History and Origins

Origin of larnax¹

from Greek; perhaps related to Late Greek narnax chest

Example Sentences

A 3,500-year-old coffin the size of a trunk, known as a larnax and decorated with undulating patterns, was valued at $1 million.

From New York Times

Other items from Steinhardt’s collection included a gold brooch from 600 B.C. valued at $1.3 million and a larnax, a small box for human remains, that dates from 1400 to 1200 B.C. and is valued at $1 million, prosecutors said.

From Seattle Times

A larnax, or small chest for human remains, from Crete, that dates between 1400-1200 B.C.

From New York Times

The Larnax, a Cretan chest for human remains, has also been surrendered.

From BBC

According to prosecutors, while complaining about a subpoena requesting documentation for a different piece, Steinhardt pointed to the larnax and said to an investigator: “You see this piece? There’s no provenance for it. If I see a piece and I like it, then I buy it.”

From Seattle Times