Nicosia Hellenistic Utility Ware
Cyprus/Western Mesoria
Earlier 3rd - Mid 2nd centuries BCE
Hellenistic
General InformationPlain ware utility vessels occur in abundance, but in only a few types; this was not the category for innovation and variety. For fetching and pouring water, by far the most common form is a large, long-necked, cupped rim jug with a sturdy strap handle. The shape is identical to slipped Late Classical jugs (especially from Agios Philon). The most common lekanai have a ledge rim and horizontal ribbon handles; less common is a thicker-walled type with a shorter rim and horizontal coil handles. Plane ware lekanai with overhanging rims are numerous. Only a few deep basins with wide, ridged rims have been found, and a number of mortar with pie-crust grips on the rim.
Description
The fabric is hard and dense, pale yellow (2.5Y 8/2) to light brown (7.5YR 6/4)in color, some fine black and white inclusions, generally fully fired. Exterior surfaces are wiped smooth.
Nicosia, Agios Georgios (Cyprus/Western Mesoria)