Alabastron 399 BC

This is an alabastron, a small vessel made by the Bulas Group. It's made from clay, carefully shaped on a pottery wheel, and painted with slip, a liquid clay that vitrifies when fired. The vessel’s surface is covered in scale patterns. It is carefully rendered and would have taken time, skill, and labor. The clay itself, humble as it may seem, has a deep connection to the earth and human history. Alabastra were often used to hold precious oils or perfumes, so they were luxury items. This one probably wasn't made by the person who would have used it. It would have been exchanged in a system of commerce. It speaks to a world where craft production was becoming more specialized and linked to trade. So, next time you see a humble pot, remember there is so much more than just clay; it's a story of skill, labor, and social connection.