Fragmentary Excess: Body, Text, Receptacle

Vessels

Amphorae, the common ancient storage and transport vessel, constitute important finds at many archaeological sites. Their form help us understand the functionality of these vessels: the large volume at the base and narrow opening at the neck are ideal characteristics for storage, allowing for maximum capacity and minimal spilling; the handles at the neck accommodate easy transport. Used as receptacles for commodities such as grain, oil, and wine, amphorae were shipped across the ancient Mediterranean and Near East, and are essential receptacles for trade. 


The juxtaposition of these two amphorae – one intact and one broken – demonstrates the dichotomous states of pottery of all types encountered by archaeologists during excavation. Not only is the Late Geometric Amphora a complete vessel in terms of its form, but our knowledge concerning its date and provenance is far more secure. The handle fragment was once part of a much larger amphora, and although it is possible to recreate the shape of the vessel to which it once belonged, all that is left today is a small, diagnostic sherd of unknown date. Its identification and particular use are much less clear.

The other fragments exhibited here demonstrate the variety of materials and types of vessels found on archaeological sites. In varying states of wholeness, they also illustrate the difficulties faced by archaeologists in the field, who are often tasked with reconstructing whole vessels from tiny fragments. 

Bronze Jar, 6th-5th century BCE by BMCexhibition on Sketchfab

Attic Red-Figure Lekythos, 425 BCE to 375 BCE by BMCexhibition on Sketchfab

Terra Sigillata, a Roman ceramic ware produced from the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE and used throughout the Roman Empire, is distinguished by its bright-red sheen and application of relief designs. Functioning primarily as vessels for consumption rather than cooking or storage – demonstrated by the cup and bowl fragments here – this dining ware was a conspicuous form of display that played a role in identity formation across the Roman world. As much as the materials and decorated patterns might reveal about societal conditions, such interpretations certainly involve speculation concerning the performativity of identity in ancient times.

Piet de Jong, an illustrator and architect on various archaeological projects in the Mediterranean, was responsible for the visual recreation of artifactual remains found on site, including those of pottery, frescoes, figurines, and architecture. These works done in watercolor, his preferred medium, illustrate the profiles of ceramic vessels from the Halai Excavations in Greece during the early 20th century. Using his painted reconstructions, archaeologists are able to speculate about the form and function of the vessel, and thus revive something of its past life. 

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