Object Description
finely potted Nabataean red terracotta vessel, featuring a short foot, a wide, globular body leading to a cylindrical neck, and a wide, folded rim. Two applied handles extend from the rim to the vessel’s shoulders. Geometric patterns and floral motifs are emphasised in black pigment. The bright orange colour of the terracotta, as seen on this fine example, is characteristic of Nabataean pottery and it is caused by the high level of iron in the clay. The walls of the jug remain quite thin, like a subtle reminder of the tradition of Nabataean eggshell wares. This terracotta was probably produced soon after the conquest of the region by the Romans and used in a private context. Painted decorative motifs tend to disappear from terracotta wares after the Romanisation of the region.
Date: Circa 1st-2nd century AD