An Amlash spouted vessel

A large ceremonial grey ware libation vessel. Thin walled and smooth surface, the u-shaped spout is decorated with two dots, representing eyes. In profile, the vessel resembles a graceful abstract bird, with the spout as a long beak and curving neck, and the vessel being the body of the bird. Vessels with such a long spout were probably used for ritually pouring liquids in religious ceremonies, in particular in burial rites, although not much about the rituals is known. When filled with liquid, the fragility of the spout and the thin walls made them less suitable for practical purposes in daily life. Persia, Amlash culture, 1100 -900 BC.

Provenance
Old Dutch private collection

Size
Height 13,8 cm, width 26 cm.

Price
On request

Condition
Good, no cracks or restaurations