Ancient Holy Land Biblical Period Wine Jug, Judea H: 8.5″

Description

This Biblical Period ancient earthenware wine jug was made in the late Iron Age in the Holy Land of Judea (the Levant) about the time of the first Jewish Temple. A very high carinated piece, it was built using the coil construction method and the paddle and anvil technique. Like most pouring vessels, it was covered with slip to make it less porous and was also burnished to make its surface smooth, more impermeable and to prevent leakage. It may have been used for religious ceremonies of blessing over the wine which 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 reddish clay underneath. In very good condition, it has no restoration. It has traces of mineral and earth deposits from its burial as well as expected minor chips and surface scratches consistent with its age, long use and probable burial. It rests on a low foot that adds to its visually striking profile.