Egyptian Pre-Dynastic Naqada II Terracotta Acorn Jar

Ancient Egypt, Predynastic Period, Naqada II, ca. 3500 to 3200 BCE. An incredible early example of Egyptian pottery, a buffware vessel in an elongated acorn form with a rounded body, a slightly corseted neck, a rolled rim, and a wide mouth. Two petite lugged handles are high on the sides. The body is painted with tightly packed, wavy lines that radiate horizontally around the circumference and, based on similar painted pottery from the region, likely represent waves on the Nile River. Many of the painted symbols on Naqada II vessels have been interpreted by researchers as having sacred symbolism, but there is no certainty without any written records. Lucite display stand for photography purposes only. Size: 3.75" W x 5.625" H (9.5 cm x 14.3 cm).

Although there is very little evidence pertaining to kilns that would lead to a better understanding of firing techniques from the Naqada II period, an interesting article written by Masahiro Baba analyzes the pottery produced at Hierakonpolis to propose a reconstruction of these techniques. Find this article entitled, "Pottery production at Hierakonpolis during the Naqada II period: Toward a reconstruction of the firing technique," British Museum Studies in Ancient Egypt and Sudan 13 (2009): 1-23.

For a stylistically similar example, please see The British Museum, museum number EA30888.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-private New Jersey, USA collection; ex-upstate New York, USA collection, 1950s

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#149806
Condition Report: Repaired on lower area of one side, with resurfacing and light adhesive residue along break lines. Minor abrasions to body and rim, with light fading to original pigment. Nice earthen deposits throughout.