The Distribution of Upright-Handled Jars and Stemmed Dishes in the Early Dynastic Period

In a previous article we discussed the recently excavated upright-handled jars and stemmed dishes from Abu Salabikh (Moon 1981). In the following pages we attempt to follow the wide distribution of these two pottery types by presenting similar material from other Early Dynastic sites. Occurrence of both in association clusters about Northern Babylonia, so a good starting point is provided by Kish, where upright-handled jars and stemmed dishes were first commented upon. As with so many sites dug in the earlier part of the century, available records leave much to be desired. “Ingharra was badly excavated, the excavations were badly recorded, and the records were correspondingly badly published” (Lloyd 1969, 48). However, the attention to detail afforded by Mackay's description of the upright-handled jars and stemmed dishes is admirable (Mackay 1925, 23–37; 1929, 130–156). And while the caution that is the privilege of hindsight must now be applied to some of the deductions, there is no need to reiterate pure description.