This attractive miniature terracotta amphora was
made by one of the most inscrutable people of
the ancient Bible Lands – the Ammonites. The
form is classically elegant, with a sharp base
flaring to a globular body with graceful
shoulders, narrowing to a short, slim neck with
an everted rim. The main ground is natural
terracotta in colour, with a series of thin and
wide bands of dark paint encircling it
approximately half way down, and around the
shoulders. The neck and mouth of the vessel are
similarly adorned.
This piece emulates one of the most instantly
recognisable ceramic forms of antiquity.
Amphorae were used throughout the Bronze Age
and later for the transport of comestibles around
the Mediterranean. Very large versions were used
for storage within palace complexes and
prosperous private homes. Smaller versions such
as this were used to store more valuable
materials such as scents or incense, and would
have been owned by high-ranking members of
society, the only people who could afford such
costly unguents.
The makers of this object – the Ammonites – are
extensively cited in the Old Testament as being
descended from the illegitimate son of Lot. Their
territory was on the “King’s Highway” from Egypt
to other areas of the Middle East, and their
economy – apart from trade – was based upon
agriculture and mining. Their culture was
considered to be allied to that of the Hebrews,
although they also had affinities with the
Edomites and the Israelites. They flourished for
some considerable time in the dry lands of
Northern Arabia, but seem to have become
extinguished or absorbed by other cultures by
the Late Classical period.
This is a striking and attractive piece of ancient
artwork.
