Ancient Earthenware Carinated Flagon, Roman North Africa (3191BLB)

Description

This is an excellent example of an ancient earthenware carinated pottery flagon made in production centers in throughout the Roman Empire. This was made in,  the Roman-North-Africa territory called Africa-Proconsularis. These pouring vessels locally made by provincial artisans were used specifically to hold and pour water, wine and other liquids and placed in kitchens, on tables, at work places, etc.. “Flagon” is derived from the same Greek origin as the word for flask, but this is a larger variant of the Greek lagynos used mostly for oil. Classified as Coarse Wares, flagons were functional items made for the lower classes and were usually covered with a white or beige slip to enhance their appearance and lessen their porousness. Sometimes having a trefoil spout, they  hydrated everyone including laborers, field workers, ship rowers and army personnel. They were also used at Roman household shrines to make offerings to the family’s domestic deities. Expected age markers include minor scrapes, slip losses, a chip, earth and mineral adherants and white deposits underneath. Otherwise, it is in excellent condition for its long burial and is without cracks, repairs, or restorations.

Sources

Kevin Green, Interpreting the Past, Roman Pottery, Berkeley and Los Angeles, University of California Press, 1992.

Potsherd Atlas of Roman Pottery, North African Red Slip Ware, www/potsherd.net