Item Details

A Note on “Grenades” as Fire-starter Flasks

Issue: Vol 3 No. 2 (2016) The Sphero-conical vessel: Name, object and usage

Journal: Journal of Islamic Archaeology

Subject Areas:

DOI: 10.1558/jia.v3i2.32825

Abstract:

The paper provides a short note on the function of sphero-conical vessels as either fire-blowers (aeolipiles) or as fire-starter flasks. The evolution of the form is briefly recounted from examples in Egyptian excavations, with additional examples from Quseir al-Qadim and Khirbet al-Mafjar. These latter examples strongly indicate domestic use and suggest a primary function in enhancement of fire.

Author: Donald Whitcomb

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