Vessel, Amphora handle with 'Date Palm' stamp, Greek
Production date
300 BCE
Country
Syria
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Object detail
Description
Fragment of a terracotta handle from large pottery vessel. Clay is creamy-pink, with faint purplish tinges. The texture is fine, with a clean fracture. The handle slopes upward at a shallow angle before making an abrupt downward turn and is broken off just below the lower surface. The handle is rounded, with only slight evidence of squaring off at the sides. The handle base is solid, with no apparent junction area. The surface is somewhat pitted and erroded. Date palm makers mark is evident on the object.
Classification
ARCHAEOLOGY
DOMESTIC EQUIPMENT
DOMESTIC EQUIPMENT
Production date
300 BCE
Production place
Measurements
L90mm x W66mm x D55mm
Media/Materials description
Pottery vessel made of fired clay, complete or fragmented
Inclusions (quartz) to make the clay less sticky, reduce shrinkage, increase resistance to thermal shock and strength prior to firing.
Inclusions (quartz) to make the clay less sticky, reduce shrinkage, increase resistance to thermal shock and strength prior to firing.
Signature/Marks
Date Palm stamp
History and use
This broken handle from a large pottery vessel, possibly an amphora. On top of the handle in an oval impression is a relief image of a three fronded palm tree- this is known as a 'Date Palm' stamp- a makers or production mark with possible lettering just above it to the left. Other stamps include roses, grapes and names. Amphora are large narrow necked double handled roman vessels used for transportation and storage. They hold between 20 and 80 litres. They are hand made from a distinctive thick oxidised gritty fabric.
Associated person
Registration number
E40102
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