Previous Publications: Hatzidakis (2003: 267, 433 n. 437, fig. 437, 2004a: 380, pl. 164y, no. 021 .A)
Height: 77.0 mm
Iconographic type: Plastic vase, possibly a perfume container (Chapter 4.7.2.2), in the shape of a Nubian head (Chapters 4.5, 4.7.2) . Although not a lamp itself, the type closely recalls some Egyptian head lamps (e. g. Petrie 1904: 7) .
Archaeological Context: Possible shop in the Agora of the Italians. The shop’s function is unknown, but it does not appear to have been a coroplastic workshop (Chapter 5.7.1) .
Fabric Type: “Magenta Ware” fabric, seemingly Italian in origin (Chapter 2.5 . 4)
Manufacturing Techniques:
• Type of temper used (Chapter 3.4.1): Untempered
• Number of molds used (Chapter 3.4.2): Double mold
• Condition of mold: Good; slightly used
• Solid or hollow: Hollow
• Presence of vents (Chapter 3.4.3)? Round hole in the upper part of head’s left ear (see Chapter 4.7.2.2 for a discussion of the function of this hole) . The holes in the strainer would also have served to vent the object during firing.
• Presence of separate base? A simple flat bottom closes the neck; there is no separate construction atop which the head stands
• Presence of visible fingerprints? No
• Evidence of reworking (Chapter 3.4.3)? Some marks of smoothing with a fine cloth (1) on the inside of spout, and (2) in the slip itself on the outside of the vessel; was a cloth perhaps used in the application of the slip? Possible, though uncertain, use of spatula to retool certain parts of the hair. Piercing of round hole at top of ear.
• Handmade applique elements present (Chapter 3.4.2)? Spout of strainer appears to be separately made Handle may also have been separately molded and then attached, but B5818 is too fragmentary to be certain of this
• Method of attachment of head, limbs, etc. (Chapter 3.4.2): N/A; B5818 is a free-standing head, without a body
• Evidence of “bubbles” created by plaster mold (Chapter 3.4.2)? One possible, but uncertain, blister in the hair on the right side of head
• Appearance of back of figurine: Modeled
• Presence of preserved slip, self-slip, and/or limewash (Chapters 3.4.4, 3.4.5)? Reddish slip (5YR 5/8), well preserved, over all of exterior surface, including the bottom side
• Presence of preserved paint (Chapter 3.4.5)? Possible traces of white paint (approx. 2.5Y 8/1) on top of red slip, on eyes and mouth
• Evidence for repair: No
Photographs: Figs. F15, D69, D70
Other: Dark, lustrous, and seemingly ancient residue on the mouth of the strainer appears to represent the remains of a liquid that spilled out of the plastic vase’s mouth at the time of its deposition (Chapter 4.7.2.2) .
World History
