https://urkesh.org/MZ/A/J05/D/QI/000101.htm

Unit Book J5

The Mittani Staircase - Version 1a

J5q1.1

Processed on 2024-11-03

1. OVERVIEW

Roster Date Author Record
Category !! !! clay artifact
Best definition 2008-07-13 !! figurine [Input: S714DL7.j]
Best image 2009-10-04 !! [Input: J05_VWX.j]

2. IDENTIFICATION

Labeling

Roster Date Author Record
Reference to q-lot !! !! q1 (pottery)

Designation

Roster Date Author Record
Definition 2008-07-13 sNP figurine [Input: S714DL7.j]
Description (summary) 2008-07-13 sNP clay fragment decorated with an animal head application. In the lower part, fragmented snout jutting out, that gives us a certain shape of the decoration and of the vessel whom possibly pertains to. Eyes/ears broken. Dashes engraved on the upper and on the right sides of the face. [Input: S714DL7.j]

3. STRATIGRAPHY

Contact Association

Roster Date Author Record
Type of contact: contemporary events/movable items 2008-07-13 !! q1.1 (figurine) sits in f1 (topsoil) [Input: S713DL.j]

Time Sequencing

Roster Date Author Record
Stratum (to which element belongs) 2012-10-16 !! s20J5B [Input: WX16JW.j]
Phase (to which element belongs) 2012-10-16 !! h9mJ5B [Input: WX16JW.j]

4. TYPOLOGY

Measurements

Roster Date Author Record
Height 2008-07-13 sNP 4.96 [Input: S714DL7.j]
Length 2008-07-13 sNP 5.59 [Input: S714DL7.j]
Width 2 or diameter of body 2008-07-13 sNP 3.28 [Input: S714DL7.j]

Items Field Record

Roster Date Author Record
Field definition 2008-07-13 sNP ceramic vessel [Input: S714DL1.j]
Field height 2008-07-13 sNP 4.96 [Input: S714DL1.j]
Field length 2008-07-13 sNP 5.59 [Input: S714DL1.j]
Field ware or material 2008-07-13 sNP clay [Input: S714DL1.j]
Field color 2008-07-13 sNP brown [Input: S714DL1.j]
Notes on field record 2008-07-13 sNP clay vessel fragment with animal head decoration applied [Input: S714DL1.j]

Morphology

Roster Date Author Record
Ware or Material, species 2008-07-13 sNP clay [Input: S714DL7.j]
Color 2008-07-13 sNP reddish yellow [Input: S714DL7.j]
Color number (Munsell) 2008-07-13 sNP 7.5 YR 6/8 [Input: S714DL7.j]
Condition 2008-07-13 sNP fragmented [Input: S714DL7.j]
Notes on items 2014-03-30 rAH    The excavator has determined that this artifact is an animal head; once that determination was made, various details of the "face" were noted. I have yet to see what the researcher saw. What follows are my observations based on the photographs of this object.
   V22d7185: it is possible that this is the base of a footed vessel.
   V227186: at first, I did not see the utility of this view; then, I began to look more closely at the patterning, if such it is. Vegetal? It rather appears the object was set on something while awaiting firing; perhaps a mat of straw? Look more closely for pattern.
   V22d7187: the object is photographed from an odd angle, but this could be taken for an unusual eye-level view of the "dog-based" goblets from AK. It is odd that the representation, if indeed it is one, merges with the "base." If one holds this photo close to the vertical, one can begin to see what the researcher is seeing. There are strikes along a flat and smooth surface of the object. I took these to be the marks of excavation; perhaps that is not the case. Perhaps they were originally struck or drawn into the surface of the wet clay. The supposed snout or chin -- whatever it may be -- only makes sense if we think of popular representations (cartoons) of, say, pigs or other ruminant animals. But to be blunt, I see no parallel with animals of the real world.
   The real clue to the function of this object lies in the flat surface it was either made to sit upright or to be affixed to a vertical, flat surface.
   I am mindful that I am dismissing the considered opinion of the researcher, who has indeed held this object and seen it at very close quarters. My observations must be taken in this light -- that is, observations at a distance, "second-hand." [Input: Y401JW1.j]

6. REFERENCE

Analogical Record

Roster Date Author Record
Photo of individual elements (studio)

2009-10-04 dM [Input: J05_VWX.j]

2009-10-04 dM [Input: J05_VWX.j]

2009-10-04 dM [Input: J05_VWX.j]

2009-10-04 dM [Input: J05_VWX.j]

2009-10-04 dM [Input: J05_VWX.j]

Disposition

Roster Date Author Record
Notes on disposition 2008-08-28 sNP to be drawn [Input: S828SNP.j]
2008-09-23 jW Storage pends verification of drawing completion. [Input: S926JW2.j]