Sumerian Spouted Vessel

Product Description

This vessel was carved from a granite pebble with black and white mottling. It is almost conical in shape, with a rounded bottom that does not provide stability. The spouted mouth, directed downwards, would have enabled the easy pouring of a liquid or semi-liquid product in precise and limited quantity.

The very regular shape of the bowl indicates that it was carved using a rotating technique, probably employing some sort of lathe; a tool similar to a drill served to hollow out the interior. The vessel was finally smoothed and polished with a hard stone or with sand.

In the Neolithic period already, stone vessels had a key role in the Near Eastern economies, since they can be found almost everywhere (from Egypt to the Mesopotamian, Iranian or Bactrian worlds), in many shapes, for varied uses, in various dimensions and stones. Stone vases were considered luxury goods and were often found in the tombs of high-ranking individuals and in the treasures of sanctuaries.

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