Image Details

An assemblage of Philistine pottery. Here we see some shapes and decorative motifs characteristic of the Philistine pottery repertoire.

Back row, left to right:

A krater. This large two handled bowl is one of the most common types found at Philistine sites.

A stirrup jar. This vessel is distinguished by a solid (false) neck; the actual opening into the stirrup jar is through the funnel-like spout on the shoulder.

A “beer jug” or strainer spout jug. In the upper decorative band appear two types of Philistine naturalistic forms: a bird with head turned backward and on the right, a fish.

A tall necked jug. Richly decorated in red and black, this jug shows Egyptian influence in both its form and decoration; the lotus design on its long neck is clear evidence of Egyptian influence.

A stirrup jar. A repeated bird design circles the lower band of this vessel; the characteristic tunnel like spout on the shoulder has broken off.

Front row, left to right:

A cylindrical bottle. The black and red geometric design on a white slip is characteristic of this type of bottle, as are the small pierced horizontal handles.

A bowl. Smaller than a krater, the Philistine bowl, like the krater, is derived from Mycenaean prototypes, this bowl from Ashkelon, with its bichrome tongue motif, is very similar to a Mycenaean IIIC:1b example found at Sinda on Cyprus.

A horn-shaped vessel. Two pierced handles on the inner curvature of this vessel indicate that it was carried on a cord.