Ancient Roman pot handle
Title |
Ancient Roman pot handle |
Description |
This unglazed, red terra-cotta pot handle (3" x 3" x 3") was found on a beach by the Red Sea in 1961. This shard is estimated to date circa 700BCE--250 CE. By studying the clay, and the way the handle was formed, this is presumed to be part of a vessel or container called a transport amphora. An amphora is a two handles storage jar used to transport water, oil, honey, wine or fish sauce. Some were used as a unit of measure for other containers. The handle was made by the hand of a potter. The shape of the bottom of the amphora, either rounded or spiked, depended on the location of the pottery around the Mediterranean Sea. These vessels were critical to civilization. The Canaan amphorae were made by potters in the coastal region of the Mediterranean, between Palestine and Syria. The knowledge was then passed to the Egyptians, who in turn showed them to the Greeks. The main elements of clay were dehydrated silicates of aluminum, flint, and feldspar, This low-fire clay was baked or fired in a large pot or wood-fired kiln. For lesson plan and supplemental materials, see B 1307 (937). |
Subject |
Amphoras--Rome.; Pottery, Roman.; Art. Classical--Rome. |
Date |
ca. 700 BCE--250 CE |
Format |
JPEG |
Rights |
Image © Giertz Krannert Art Museum Giertz Education Center |
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