Vessel, Unguentarium, pottery
Production date
Circa 1 BCE-Circa 1 CE
Country
Cyprus
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Object detail
Description
Unguentarium. Piriform body with flat base. Tall cylindrical neck, widening to splaying annular rim. Fine micaceous pinkish-buff clay, unevenly fired, with worn dark brown to red slip-coating on neck, rim and interior of neck. (Webb, Jennifer M., 1997 "Corpus of Cypriote Antiquities", Studies in Mediterranean Archaeology, Vol. XX: p 12)
Classification
DOMESTIC EQUIPMENT Food and Drink Consumption jug
ARCHAEOLOGY Cypriot flask
ARCHAEOLOGY Cypriot flask
Production date
Circa 1 BCE-Circa 1 CE
Production place
Measurements
L154mm x W60mm x D61mm
Media/Materials description
Pottery, fine micaceous pinkish-buff clay, unevenly fired, with worn dark brown to red slip-coating on neck, rim and interior of neck
Signature/Marks
decoration
manufacture
manufacture
History and use
Pottery is one of the most abundant, common and enduring artefacts in the ancient record, and one of human kinds most fundamental technologies. The craft or making pottery was widespread throughout the ancient world. Pottery was widespread as it was cheap to make, malleable into various forms and watertight after firing. Potters learnt the craft over several years – digging local clay, removing stones and roots, passing it through mesh, mixing with water and settling, cutting into squares, kneading to remove air pockets, forming the vessel, and firing. Vessels can be made using various methods, including pinch, coil, slab, paddle and anvil, and wheel or mould. It can be relatively plain, or decorated by using impressed designs, slips, paints, and even applying mould-made figures. Plain ware vessels are often under-reported in comparison to the more highly decorated vessels. Domestic pottery changed little in form and was largely undecorated – reflecting the ‘form and function’ approach and everyday utility of these vessels. An unguentarium is a small bottle used to hold ointments, perfumes, balms and other liquids for use in the toilet. This type is known throughout the Roman world. Examples of this fine hard buff clay, suggest it is an Italian import to Cyprus, and was possibly made outside of Cyprus.
Associated person
Registration number
H661