White-plastered basins from Tell Djassa el-Gharbi in northeastern Syria and their possible functions

Abstract

A review of archival documentation from Tell Djassa el-Gharbi in northeastern Syria and comparative data from sites published in the last three decades have led to a reassessment of some features discovered at the site. This paper presents white-plastered basins uncovered in the topmost occupational stratum dated to the late phase of ED III/EJZ III or the beginning of the Akkadian period. The installations are divided into three general categories based on their morphology, associated features, and possible functions. Analogies to each category of basins are discussed. The Locus 1 installation is discussed in detail. Contents of a unique pottery deposit found inside this installation are described, and possible functions of this feature are proposed following analysis of the vessels and parallel finds.

Keywords

• white-plastered basins
• household installations
• technological modifications of pottery
• food production
• beer production
• seed oil production