CYPRIOT POTTERY
Of the Bronze and Iron Ages
This collection of 48 well-preserved pieces range from simple bowls and jugs to large scale storage and funerary amphora, provide insights into the material, culture and lifestyle of the ancient Cypriots.
The collection, on loan from Peter Mitrakas and Mary Ann Savas, has been divided into three separate time periods of Cypriot history including the Bronze Age, Geometric Period and Archaic Period.
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Cypriot Pottery is a long-term collection and will run until 2022.
CYPRUS
A Cultural Crossroads
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. Cyprus’ geographical location was a strategic crossroads linking the Aegean, Anatolia, the Levant and Egypt, and as such played an important role in the ancient Mediterranean commercial network. From the beginnings of settlement in the Neolithic period its history has been interwoven with that of the surrounding areas, yet, in spite of this close contact, its people have constantly been noted for their independence and individuality. While drawing widely from neighbouring regions for techniques and artistic inspirations, Cyprus maintained this individuality, which is visible in the archaeological record; and nowhere more so than in the pottery of the ages succeeding the Neolithic.