Cypriot Base Ring I pithoid jar (LC Ib-IIa): Late Cypriot IB – IIA (1500-1400 BC)

A unique, Base Ring I ware vessel, excavated by Demetrios Pierides, possibly near Dali. It was possibly intended for ritual use. 

A tall, conical, concave body rises from a narrow ring base via a highly carinated transition with applied rope decoration, narrowing briefly to a short ring neck and everted lip, both with rope decoration. Two small vertical handles decorate the shoulders, along with curved rope decorations on each side suggesting bull-horns. Below them pedestal-like applied straps with incised decoration further suggests bull protomes or human faces.

The base is consistent with Base Ring Ware and the rope decoration is classic Base Ring I. The top half suggests a carinated and stretched version of Minoan/ Mycenaean pithoi. and might be derivation from bronze vessels. Carinated shapes are however, a feature of some Plain White Wheelmade Ware. In contrast to the very hard finish of most Base Ring I, the majority of the grey/brown slip has worn off, suggesting a lower firing temperature, which might relate it to experimentation with new techniques. Inner lip a richer brown-red / dark grey. Firing crack on inside of neck.

Possibly also related to a type of funnel-shaped Base Ring vessels with protruding bull protome, primarily used in worship, and derive from Minoan originals.

To be published in the 2022 Carnet of the Centre d'Etudes Chypriotes No 51 by Professor Robert Merrillees and Thomas Kiely.

Compare: Tony Spiteris The Art of Cyprus p66; Kunsthistorischen Museum, Vienna Kat No.23 p86-7; Musée du Louvre AO 14744 and AO 18335 (p 42-43) both excavated Minet-el-Beida, Syria. Literature: Yon 1983 p177-80 pl XXIX.5-6; CVA Wien 1984, Tab.46, 1-2

Old label says “ILE DE CHYPRE / FOUILLES DE M PIERIDES / CH.-L. FROSSARD 1873 .      M Pierides (Monsieur Pierides?), most likely Demetrios Pierides, founder of the Pierides collection (1811-95), or possibly his son, Xenon