Description

The large storage vessel had a face on each of two opposite sides. Eyes, mouth, nose, ears and eyebrows were made of thin beads of clay. Small punctures and scratches indicate eyelashes, beard hair and eyebrows. Two phalli were attached between the two faces - also placed three-dimensionally.

In the ancient imagination, the depiction of faces warded off evil. The phallus was considered both a defense and a fertility symbol. In the case of storage vessels, these decorations were intended to protect the contents - mostly food - from spoiling.