Northern Central Hills Hellenistic Plain Ware
Israel-Palestinian Authority/Central Highlands/northern hills
4th-1st c. BCE
Hellenistic
General Information
A common plain and utility ware found in Tell Balatah characterizable by a rough fabric of medium levigation, with many visible lime inclusions. Exteriors are generally rough to the touch. Fabric color ranges from a terra rossa to buff brown to a pale white/brown. Typically robust and sturdy constructions with minimal decoration. Some slipping and occasional painted surface detail.
Potters made the full array of vessels needed for household use, from small bowls for table use to large jugs and jars. Larger vessels such as jars, jugs, kraters, mortaria, and flasks are consistently thick walled; small bowls and saucers can be thinner-walled and more finely finished, with surfaces ranging from grainy and rough to well levigated and smooth.
Medium to large bowls are usually plain with no surface treatment or self-slipped. Occasionally potters added grooves on walls or handles.
Shechem, Nablus (Israel-Palestinian Authority/Central Highlands)