Late Bronze Age; c. 1550-1200 B.C.

Three terracotta flasks found together in Bethlehem. Imported to the Holy Land in Antiquity.

First : Terracotta burnished slip juglet referred to as a “Bilbil”. Upturned, this juglet resembles an opium poppy capsule. Vertical slits that allow the narcotic sap to be collected are rendered on the body in either applied clay or paint. Some archaeologists suggest that the juglet’s distinctive shape advertised its narcotic contents. Although opium's anesthetic properties were recognized in antiquity and the drug is mentioned in Egyptian medical texts, chemical analyses have yet to confirm that Base Ring juglets in fact contained opiates. In very good condition.
5.7 inches (14.5 cms) high

Second: Also Cypriot base ring flask with white paint still evident all around the graceful body of the vessel. In excellent condition.
5.5 inches (14 cms) high

Third: Black burnished slip decorated flask. In very good condition with small minor chip
4.7 inches (12 cms) high

Three plexiglas or metal stands, worldwide shipping and Certificate of Authenticity included in price.

Export Approval from Israel Antiquities Authority.

Bibliography:
Harvard University -The Cesnola Collection, Semitic Museum .
University at Albany Cypriot Collection.
Jonathan Tubb, “Bible Lands: Discover The Holy Lands” (New York: 1991), p. 39.

Antiquities