Lot 416
Lot of Two "Bilbil" Juglets. Cyprus and Canaan, c. 1550-1200 BC. From the Late Bronze Age, the time of the Biblical Judges, two examples, large and small, of an interesting pottery type peculiar to Cyprus and Palestine. From Cyprus, the largest bilbil well potted in buff ware with gray slip and overpaint of radiating white lines along the body and circular bands at the neck. Similar but smaller, and somewhat less well made, is the Canaanite version - in red-tan ware with deep gray slip. This devoid of ornament. Both with slim single strap handles, and the distinctive "back slant" to the vessel. Smallest in choice condition. The Cypriote piece with a few discreet repairs, otherwise in exceptional condition, and the largest example we have seen of this type - thus rare as such. Heights: 11"; 5". Lot of 2 pieces.
Estimated Value $500 - 750.
Many of these #bilbil# jugs were imported into Canaan, primarily from Cyprus, along with locally made products. They were probably employed for the opium and medicinals trade. Analysis of substances found inside some of them has shown that they were used to hold the drug opium. The shape of the jug is strikingly like that of an upturned poppy head. Cf. Ruth Amiran, Ancient Pottery of the Holy Land, pl. 54, no. 7.
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| Realized $805 |
