Object Description
A squat Nabataean terracotta bottle featuring a large globular belly, leading to a short flaring rim. A small handle is attached from rim to flaring shoulders. The entire vessel rests on a small, rounded foot. Faint traces of geometric patterns, undertaken in dark red paint, can be seen across the entire vessel.
The Nabataean tribes first encroached upon Jordan and the surrounding area sometime in the 6th century BC. Thought of originally as a nomadic people they settled in the area, existing as an autonomous kingdom until the 2nd century AD, when they were finally defeated by the Romans. Nabataean pottery can roughly be grouped into two large categories; Fine ware and course ware. These two groups were then split into subcategories, including the fine ware bowls with painted decoration that exemplify the style. Fine ware Nabataean pottery, made exclusively in and around Petra, is categorised by its very thin walls (known as egg-shell pottery), its deep red colouring and painted floral patterns. Course ware remained thicker in its measurements and undecorated.
Date: Circa 1st century BC – 1st century AD