MYCENAEAN STIRRUP JAR

 

Small (c. 30 cm) piriform amphora with central post attached to handles, probably to protect upright spout. Highly decorated with bands, panels and figural motives. Used by Mycenaeans to transport surplus wine and oil overseas. Found throughout the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean basin, including New Kingdom Egypt. Late Bronze Age, 1400-1100 BC.  Originally devised by the Minoans, the Mycenaean Stirrup Jar was a small (c. 30 cm) piriform amphora with central post attached to handles, probably to protect upright spout. These jars were decorated with bands, panels and figural motives. They were used by the Mycenaeans to transport surplus wine and oil overseas and are found throughout the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean basin, including New Kingdom Egypt. They date to the Late Bronze Age, 1400-1100 BC. The distinctive features of these amphoras make them useful designators of Late Bronze Age occupation throughout the Mediterranean Sea.