Final answer:
In the prothesis stage of ancient Greek funerary rituals, the dead were laid out on a bier, and mourners expressed their grief, often depicted tearing their hair in sorrow, as seen on the Dipylon Krater.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the ritual lament, or the prothesis stage in ancient Greek funerary practices, the deceased was laid out on a bier for the mourning process. This is clearly depicted on the Dipylon Krater, where mourners are shown around the body with their hands tearing at their hair, a sign of deep grief and distress. The prothesis was an important part of the funeral rites, allowing family and loved ones to pay their respects and express their sorrow. In artistic depictions such as the Dipylon Krater, the shroud is placed above rather than over the body to reveal the entire scene to the viewer, highlighting the importance and solemnity of this stage of the funeral rites.