The Carinated Bowl from the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1550 B.C.)
is so named for its sharply angling shoulder, which resembles
the keel of a ship (Latin "carina"). It is typical of the age of
the Patriarchs, a period of refinement in pottery vessels, when
it was used to hold both food and beverages.
The original
vessel was found in Megiddo, situated on the path from Egypt
(Africa) to Mesopotamia (Asia). Excavations in the city revealed
twenty layers of continuous occupation. It was conquered by King
David in the 10th century B.C. and became known for its horses
and chariotmen during the reign of King Solomon.
