Ancient Holy Land Biblical Period Wine Jug, Judea (3241BHK)

Description

This ancient-pottery Biblical Period earthenware terracotta wine jug was made in the late Iron Age in the Holy Land of Judea in the Levant, which also roughly corresponds to the time of the first Jewish Temple. A very high carinated piece built using the coil construction method and probably the paddle-and anvil technique, it is covered with a slip to make it less porous and was also burnished to make its surface smooth, more impermeable, and prevent leakage in all pouring vessels. Likely a functional-and-utilitarian wine jug used on religious occasions, the blessing over the wine was and remains an important Jewish prayer. Its neck rises from the shoulder, and its single handle is fixed to the lower shoulder at the carinated edge and above at the top of the neck. Some of the crème slip has been lost revealing the reddish terracotta clay underneath. It is in very good condition, has no restorations, has traces of mineral and earth deposits from a burial and expected minor chips, surface wear and scratches consistent with its age, use and probable burial. This is part of the VA Ancient-Art Collection.