Earthenware juglet, Cyprus, 1600-1400 BCE

Made:
1600-1400 BCE in Cyprus
Base-Ring' juglet, with handle, earthenware Base-Ring juglet, with handle, earthenware, decorated with slip

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Base-Ring' juglet, with handle, earthenware
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Base-Ring juglet, with handle, earthenware, decorated with slip
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

"Base-Ring" juglet, with handle, earthenware, decorated with slip, and relief bands on neck, from Cyprus, 1600BC to 1400BC

The small size of this earthenware juglet, measuring just 140 mm high, indicates that it was used for an expensive liquid. The shape of the jug is similar to the shape of an opium poppy. Cyprus, where this jug was made, was the main exporter of opium at this time. Opium was dissolved in wine, which made it easier to transport and meant it could be traded secretly. It is a narcotic drug used to induce sleep and give pain relief and was also used recreationally for a ‘high’. It is very addictive.

Details

Category:
Classical & Medieval Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A655410
Materials:
earthenware
Measurements:
overall: 141 mm x 80 mm, 75 mm, 0.08kg
type:
juglet
credit:
Gunnis, R.