Lecture Notes: Ancient Susa Clay Vessels
Introduction
- Location: Louvre, Paris
- Artifact Focus: Clay vessels from Ancient Susa (modern-day Iran)
Historical Context
- Timeline: 6,000 years ago, 4,000 BCE
- Era: Transition from Neolithic to historical era
- Geographical Connection: Part of southern Mesopotamia at times
- Cultural Context:
- Prehistoric people in fertile river valleys
- Created and buried painted vessels
Archeological Findings
- Site Characteristics:
- Built a raised mound with a temple
- Continuous occupation for 5,000 years
- Artifacts:
- Handmade, painted clay pots
- Prehistoric: Before writing, hence no written records
Description of the Beaker
- Craftsmanship:
- Handmade and hand-painted
- Thin, less perfect than wheel-made pottery
- Possibly made on a slow wheel
- Decorative Elements:
- Animal forms and geometric patterns
- Integration of pictorial and vessel shape
Animal Imagery and Symbolism
- Mountain Goat (Ibex):
- Stylized, geometric form
- Detailed depiction: horns, beard, ears, nose, tail
- Other Animals:
- Greyhound-like dog: Thin, elongated
- Wading birds: Elongated necks
- Unidentified Patterns:
- Crisscross patterns, possibly meaningful
- Repeated shapes, potential symbolism
Speculative Meanings
- Possible Associations:
- Fertility, water, other ideas
- Similar associations in later Mesopotamian cultures
Historical References
- Biblical Connections:
- Susa/Shushan mentioned in the book of Daniel and Esther
Discovery Context
- Archeological Discovery:
- Found by archeologists searching for the tomb of Daniel
- Significance of the Cemetery:
- Site of extraordinary ancient artifacts
These notes summarize the key points discussed in the lecture on ancient clay vessels from Susa, focusing on their historical context, archeological significance, and detailed artistic characteristics.