Chronology and Distribution of 3rd Millennium BC Flasks

The production and circulation of flasks of different shapes, generally considered as perfume or ointments containers, is largely attested during the 3rd millennium BC, particularly in Syria, Anatolia and Mesopotamia. Some peculiar flask types are attested over wide areas, suggesting that these vessels circulated far from the core manufacturing areas, probably traded as luxury goods due to their valuable content. This is true, in particular, for the so-called Syrian Bottles, characterized by the round, ovoid or piriform body shape and the pointed or rounded base. Beside Syrian Bottles other contemporary types of unguentaria are the flattened or ring-base flasks, which show a different geographical distribution, only partially overlapping the distribution area of Syrian Bottles. This paper examines the typology, chronology and distribution of 3rd millennium B.C. flat and ring-base flasks. The problem of the possible use of flasks is addressed: the discussion makes use of morphometric analyses, contextual data and textual references.