Object Description
A globular shaped Nabataean pitcher made from a deep red terracotta. The large, rounded body leads to a short neck and mouth, which is slightly pinched. A small handle connects the neck to the body. The whole bottle rests on a small ring base. Decoration has been added in the form of a darker red dot and line pattern. The style of decoration lends itself to earlier pottery, dating from the 1st century. It would be categorised as early fine ware, with thicker walls than the egg-shell variety.
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