Single handled pithos or storage jar lid. Nearly circular from above; mostly flat lower surface though it does not rest entirely on a flat surface. Thick construction; vertical outer edge is tooled flat with rounded transitions to upper and lower face. Single think strap handle with wide upper groove and heavy join to disk, handle not vertical from lengthwise perspective. The disk and handle carry impressed decoration. Of 8 original bands of parallel rouletting on the upper surface of disk, 6 are at least partially extant. Two extend from each end of handle almost as far as outer edge. One extant band, which likely had a pair, extends from under hand perpendicularly to edge. Each quadrant formed by these four bands likely had its own band. The two that are completely extant are not quite radial to the center of the disc. The other partially extant band crosses the radius, though not at a right angle. The handle carries a cross pattern formed by four impressions of a short-bladed punch. The underside of the disc is worn, with some deeper pits.
Fabric, firing, and surface description
LRA2 Argolid fabric and firing. Very slightly granular fabric fired to ”light red” (2.5YR 7/6); surface pale, lighter than 2.5Y 8/2. Frequent large rounded lime, other darker rounded and angular chunks (some reddish), occasional medium lime, and tiny light rounded bits. Large to small elongated and rounded voids in section.
Preservation comment
Two joining sherds preserve majority handle and ca. 65% of circumference. Some abrasion on handle but otherwise in good condition; clean breaks. Two sections of plaster fill between the two joining sherds.
Published as
KenchreaiIV, pp. 145-146, no. RC 102b, pl. 38 (B. Adamsheck: “Byzantine“)
