Bichrome ware, with its distinctive red and black decoration and white slip, is unmistakably different from pottery used prior to its inception. "This style dated to MB II C, flourishes in LB I but still occurred as late as LB II A." ( Amiran 154 ) Its origin is estimated at 1575 B.C.E., commencing after the Hyksos expulsion from Egypt. The duration of bichrome ware lasted for approximately one century, thus dying out around the battle of Megiddo in 1475 B.C.E.
Not only was the decoration different but the geometric shape of the vessel was also new. This style did not develop from indigenous ceramic traditions of Palestine, but from outside influences. "Bichrome ware is considered a synthesis of local Palestinian traditions and contemporary Cypriote wares while simultaneously adapting a decorative posture introduced by the Hurrian component of the population." ( Epstein 173 ) The fusion of these styles can be attributed to the close links with the Hurrians and the trade that resulted from Cyprus. Special attention should be noted that bichrome ware originated in the north of the Syro- Palestinian region not the south. ( Epstein 187)
The decoration also consisted of figure representations including fish, birds, quadrupeds, trees and scenes. Geometrical designs were also displayed, which when analyzed are reduced to ten basic forms including: spoked wheels, diagonal crosses, triangles, latticed panels, lozenges (or diamonds), feather patterns, ladder patterns, wavy lines, diagonal strapping, and the cross line style. These designs where stylized representations influenced by geometrical shapes through out their culture, i.e., the spoked wheel, and according to Claire Epstein, became intrinsic to bichrome ware. Ultimately, because of the uniformity of the manufacturing technique, superb levigation of the clay and the careful attention paid to detail, bichrome ware rerepresented the high point in Canaanite potters' art.
Bichrome jug 262, labeled by Gordon Loud in Megiddo II Seasons of 1935 - 1939- "has a globular to ovoid body shape, a short wide concave neck, and handle from rim to shoulder and stands 22 cm. in height"- displays the latticed panel decoration style. This design element of square or diamond lattice is significant of the bichrome repertoire, although it had widespread usage on earlier plain wares in many areas. The latticed panel may have originally intended to depict the net used to catch birds or fish. In this context, Epstein recalls a "cylinder seal from Ur which depicts a seven spoked wheel and net" ( Epstein 73 ), suggesting this as a possible origin for the latticed panel style.
Jug 262 was part of a funerary offering in T.3070 of stratum IX, at Megiddo. This tomb was used over a prolonged period with multiple burials, and the vessels resembled those from "House Z", ( Epstein 89 ) which "serves as a yard-stick against which to evaluate other assemblages." (Epstein 94) Parallels of jug 262 from Cyprus include pl.VII:1, pl.X:3, both from Milia. (Epstein) Also, parallels from the north include pl.VII:2, pl.IV:3, pl.I:7-9, from Ras Shamra (Epstein).
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Amiran, R.; Ancient Pottery of the Holy Land, Peli Printing Work
LTD; Israel; 1969.
As a secondary source, Amiran's book provided other source
material, such as W.A. Huertley's "A Palestinian Vase-painter of
the Sixteenth Century B.C., from the QDAP, VIII. Also, it provided
parallels, a photo and diagram of jug 262 and the tomb number where
it was found.
Epstein, C.; Palestinian Bichrome Ware, E.J. Brill; Leiden,
Netherlands; 1966.
As a primary source, Epsteins work discussed the origin of
bichrome ware as from the north and west, provided the explanation
for the link between Megiddo and Cyprus as trade, and established
a time frame and duration for the wares. The author provided a
possible explanation and origin of the lattice style. Also, the
author provided diagrams of parallel wares.
Lamon, R.S.; Megiddo II Seasons of 1935 - 1939 Text, Univ. of
Chicago Press; Chicago, Ill; 1948.
The author provided a description and labeled jug 262 which
provided as my method for citation. The author also provided a
photo and description of tomb 3070.
Lamon, R.S.; Megiddo II the Seasons of 1935 - 1939 plates, Univ. of
Chicago; Chicago, Ill; 1948.
Along with a photo and diagram of jug 262, were diagrams of