The Barrel-shaped jug is a type of pottery known in the Mediterranean in the Ancient Cypriot art of the island of Cyprus, from the 10th century BCE to the 3rd century CE.[1]
This type of jugs, with and without strainers, were quite common in Archaic Cypriot pottery.Because of their rounded shape, they do not stand on their own, suggesting a quite specific function. They are found in the tombs of Eastern Cyprus, and may only have had a funerary role.[2]
These jars are very similar to Chinese Cocoon jars, and West-East transmission has been suggested.[1]
Terracotta barrel jug with strainer, Cypro-Geometric III. Cyprus, 850-750 BCE.[3]
Terracotta barrel jug with strainer, Cyprus, 750-600 BCE.[2]
Ceramic barrel-shaped jug from the Cypro-Archaic I period (c.700-c.600 BCE)