A shoulder fragment from a large LM vessel, probably a pithos. The decorative schema consists of several elements (superior to inferior): 3 faint comb-applied incised lines, one circumferential cord ornament, and one circumferential belt (or raised band) ornament. There appears to be an additional ornament barely visible (beginning) at the inferior sherd break. In section, the cord and belt ornaments appear to consist of added clay, applique. The cord pattern has been applied rather unevenly with some kind of corrugated press tool--each cord twist is not equally spaced and the impressions are filled with textured hatches resembling those produced by the bark of a stick, for example. The shoulder area hosting the comb ornament is highly pocked and full of scratches and organic burnouts. High frequencies of very coarse and inclusions are also visible perforating the surface in this area. In addition to the above-noted medium sand, coarse and fine sand particles are present in the fabric at moderate frequencies. Pebbles are visible in the fabric in limited frequencies. The exterior surfaces is 20% mottled with Red 2.5YR 5/6 and half is interior surfaces is colored Very Dark Gray 10YR 3/1 (may be destruction/burning related). The exterior surface features circumferential rotational striations while the interior surface features more widely spaced linear impressions, running superior to inferior, perhaps the result of slab rolling. There is visible slab de-lamination of the innermost portion of the vessel wall (thickness: 0.47cm). Moderate frequencies of inclusions, including pyrite particles, are visible perforating all surfaces. Breaks are rough.
From Interior to Exterior