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Asia Minor, Anatolia, ca. late 2nd to early 1st millennium BCE. A large, heavy terracotta jar with an amphora-like shape, narrowed neck, and broad, flared rim. The interior of the rim and body are painted a deep, rich red color. Hand-painted black lines create abstract motifs around the edge of the rim, neck, and upper body. Notably, the pattern includes a register of the “Greek key” (also known as meander or meandros) motif around the shoulder. There are traces of a similar geometric, large designs around the lower body; however, surface wear has obscured it. Above and below the Greek key are dense patterns that look to my modern eye like chainmail mesh but probably represented netting or weaving to the ancient creator of the piece. Size: 15.5″ W x 19.75″ H (39.4 cm x 50.2 cm)
This massive jar may have been used for food storage, but more likely served as an urn. Burial practices from ancient Anatolia are varied, but we know of cremation burials in urns from archaeological sites in this region. Often cremated remains were placed in large urns like this one with gifts and offerings. The Greek key/meander design has been interpreted to mean infinity and unity, perhaps based on the roll of waves on the sea.
Condition: Two chips from rim but otherwise intact, with wear to surface pigment, especially on lower body, as shown.
Provenance: private New Jersey USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago
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