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.