Object type
askos
Fabric
indeterminate black varnish
Culture/period
Protohistory and Iberian world
Materials
pottery
Technique
moulding
Mint
Production date
-250 / -200
Current location
Exposició permanent
Archaeological site
Molí d’Espígol
Township
Tornabous (Europa, Espanya, Catalunya, Lleida, Urgell)
Dimensions
70 x 66 mm
Description
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Black varnished askos in the form of a Nubian head, with a flat base, probably produced in Sicily. The representation of facial features is naturalistic, with lips over-painted in maroon and white teeth, braided hair held with a headband. It has a spout at the top of the head and the presence of a vertical handle can be sensed on the back. The askoi were small bottles designed to contain valuable liquids, powders or ointments. The fact of appearing in elaborate forms and decorations, the head of a Nubian in this case, should be related to the exceptional or exotic liquid or substance it contained, which the external appearance of the vessel intended to emphasize; perhaps it was even connected with the origin or source of the product.
This piece was found in Street 7 in the Iberian city of Molino de Espliego, in the final abandonment level in the settlement around 200 BC.
© Museu comarcal de l'Urgell-Tàrrega
Omeka ID
1213