Pottery figurine from the Euphrates

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During the late third millennium, the area of the Middle Euphrates developed a distinctive regional culture. Between 1963 and 1973 an international rescue mission excavated a large number of sites in this region which were threatened by flooding as a result of the construction of the Tabqa dam. One such site was Tell es-Sweyhat. Excavations by T.A. Holland on behalf of the British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem, revealed extensive Early and Middle Bronze Age occupation. Finds included this store jar figurine.  Figurines with pillar bases, elaborate hair styles and applied eyes and scarves are characteristic of the Tabqa-Euphrates area. The juglet with strainer base might, by placing in liquid, clamping a thumb over the mouth, withdrawing it and then gently releasing the pressure, have been used as a sprinkler.