Bronze Age Cypriot Black Polished Ware
Bronze Age Cypriot Black Polished ware is a distinctive pottery style that flourished on the island of Cyprus during the Early and Middle Bronze Age periods (c. 2400-1650 BCE). Known for its lustrous black surface and unique shapes, this pottery type provides valuable insights into the cultural and technological developments of ancient Cypriot societies.
Characteristics of Black Polished Ware
- Distinctive black, highly polished surface
- Handmade using fine clay
- Thin-walled construction
- Common forms include bowls, jugs, and bottles
- Often decorated with incised or relief patterns
Cultural Significance
Black Polished ware played a crucial role in Cypriot society, serving both utilitarian and ritualistic purposes. Its presence in burial contexts suggests its importance in funerary practices and beliefs about the afterlife.
Manufacturing Technique
Artisans created the characteristic black surface through a specialized firing process that involved reducing the oxygen supply during the final stages of firing. This technique, combined with careful polishing, resulted in the lustrous black finish that defines this ware.
Archaeological Significance
The study of Black Polished ware has provided archaeologists with valuable information about trade networks, cultural exchanges, and technological innovations in Bronze Age Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region.