Sumerian Miniature Jar
Sumerian Miniature Jar
This small jar is more elaborate in shape than most other contemporary stone vessels. The perfectly globular body stands on its own despite the absence of base.
3rd millenium B.C.
D: 4.7 cm
In stock
Product Description
This small jar, with a decorative ridge in relief that extends the neck and modifies its proportions, is more elaborate in shape than most other contemporary stone vessels. The perfectly globular body stands on its own despite the absence of base. The lip is flat.
The very regular shape of the bowl indicates that it was carved and hollowed using a rotating technique, probably employing some sort of lathe; a tool similar to a drill served to hollow out the interior, hence the circular traces that appear on the inner surface. 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.
