Heraklion Archaeological Museum - CollectiveAccess System : Clay objects : Stirrup jar with octopus [Π7636]

Stirrup jar with octopus

Π7636

Clay

Intact

Height: 20.5 cm.

Episkopi Ierapetra

Late Bronze Age. Postpalatial period, Late Minoan ΙIIB period.:

1300 - 1200 BC:

Gallery:

Case:

122

Exhibition thematic unit:

Late Bronze Age - Postpalatial period (1300-1100 BC). Settlements. Sanctuaries. Tombs

Cemeteries

Description

This stirrup jar from Episkopi is an example of a very characteristic vase type of the Late Minoan IIIB period. The body of the vase is decorated with parallel bands, while a stylised octopus extends its tentacles across the shoulder of the vessel, with the edge of its body projecting into the zone of banded decoration. This jar differs from others found in the area due to its tall biconcave body with narrow base, a shape typical of the Chania pottery workshop from which it comes. During this period, the Chania workshops specialised in the production of octopus stirrup jars which were exported across Crete and beyond the island. The jars contained perfumed oils and were frequently used as grave goods. Many Chania stirrup jars were found in the cemetery of chamber tombs excavated at Episkopi in Ierapetra and at other sites of East Crete.

Bibliography:

Kanta, A. The Late Minoan III Period in Crete. A Survey of Sites, Pottery and their Distribution. Studies in Mediterranean Archaeology Volume LVIII. G?teborg, 1980, 146-160, 252-254. Xanthoudides, S. "Αρχαιολογική Περιφέρεια (Κρήτης). Έρευναι, Σκαφαί, and Ευρήματα κατά το Έτος 1919: Λαξευτός Μυκηναϊκός Τάφος Επισκοπής Ιεραπέτρου." Αρχαιολογικόν Δελτίον 6 (1920-21): 157-162.

Author:

E. S.

Photographs' metadata