Ancient Oinochoe Wine Jug, Roman North Africa (3197B)

Description

An oenochoe or oinochoe is the Greek word for a wine jug and the name of an important category of Greek pottery created in many forms of which there are many variants copied and modified by cultures throughout the ancient world, especially by ancient pottery centers in the Africa Proconsularis province of Roman North Africa. As common folk throughout the Roman Empire and elsewhere could only afford practical objects that were functional and without frills, potters created attractive yet useful every-day objects called Roman coarse wares using the most practical, inexpensive and long-lasting materials. This earthenware jug is elegant in its simplicity, undecorated except for horizontal ridges, curved single handle at its back, simple rim at the mouth and crème clay slip. Handles these items were made for comfort in handling, pouring and use by a single hand. Created with heavy and thick walls for durability, its wide curved strap handle has a mid decorative depression. The crème clay slip has naturally darkened and there is a slight chip on its foot and minor dings on its body, but it is otherwise in very good condition.