Cypriot Large gourd jug with plank figure: Early Cypriot IIIB - Middle Cypriot I (2050- 1850

CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED FROM RECENT FIRE DAMAGE.  OVERPAINTING HAS CHANGED COLOUR.

 Similar to jugs 24-28 though a little smaller and extremely unusual for this type in incorporating a vulnerable, large plank figure (7.5cm). These figures may represent ancestors (see Nos 66-73) though it is unclear whether they have the same spiritual function as freestanding plank figures or merely refer to them. Probably made for a funeral feast to serve wine, beer (or water) and to be placed in the tomb.  Reconstructed from several pieces with some restored areas and considerable overpainting. Most lime in incisions lost. Possible fire damage.

Red Polished III Ware, Globular body with rounded base, tall tubular neck and flared mouth; loop handle with thumb-pad spur from shoulder to neck, and lug at body/neck junction opposite. On the shoulder by it, a plank figure facing inwards. (Might this direction have been reversed by restorers?) It widens from head to sloped shoulders, then narrows a little below.

Red slip with incised decoration filled with lime. Plank figure with line for nose with tiny horizontal under, and dot eyes. At top, shoulders, and base, a line flanked by dotted lines and double line zig-zag at middle. On reverse: vertical zig-zag hair above, with line flanked by dashed-lines at shoulders, middle and base.

On the pot: neck ringed by 10 lines, top and bottom and two groups of 3 lines between, and central 3 line zig-zag. On body, rectangular blocks of horizontal parallel lines form an approximate 6 layer irregular chequerboard, with horizontal 3 line zig-zags, concentric circles and small double columns of dashes filling the gaps.

Cf: Dikaios & Stewart 1962, Fig.XCV (6) p.310 (shape)