The Tyrian cemetery of al-Bass and the role of ceramics in the Phoenician funerary ritual. (4th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Núñez, Francisco J.
• Is Part Of: Levant. Volume 49:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 174
• Page End: 191
• Publication Date: 2017-05-04
• Subjects: Phoenician -- mortuary practices -- funerary banquet -- Phoenician ceramics -- wine consumption; Middle East -- Antiquities -- Periodicals; Middle East -- History -- Periodicals; Middle East -- Civilization -- To 622 -- Periodicals; 939.4
• DOI: 10.1080/00758914.2017.1391026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0075-8914

Abstract

Abstract : The tombs of the Phoenician cemetery of Tyre al-Bass have produced a standardized ceramic set. The vessels associated with it are characterized by their homogeneity and are closely linked with the preparation and consumption of food and drink, especially wine. These data connect this set with a particular stage of the funerary ritual, the banquet, and in particular, the deceased's role within it, which should be understood as a symbol of the communion between the living and dead, as members of the same group. The aim of this paper is to explore some Levantine samples that support these statements: a definition of the general character of the funerary ceramic set found at al-Bass, the analysis of iconographic evidence which depicts its essential components in use, the exploration of the connections between the Phoenician funerary banquet and the Semitic marzeah, an interpretation of the nature of the set in this funerary context.