The first casting mould for a ‘Syrian Bottle’ from Lipnik, Bulgaria

Abstract The following article presents the first mould ever discovered for casting a so-called “Syrian Bottle”, distinctive vessel type that originated in Mesopotamia around mid 3rd millennium BC and soon after spread to Anatolia, Aegean Southeast Europe, as imports local derivatives. A few examples were made from precious metals lead, most notable one being golden globular bottle, part of “Priam’s” Treasure A” Early Bronze Age Troy. Lipnik seems have been intended production small metal bottles ‘Syrian’ shape, supportive agents like green sand core applied such complex item. mould, however, was obviously never used. review associated manufacturing details pegholes, riser vent show although these features particularly prominent 2nd BC, moulds earlier (Anatolian) contexts do possess characteristics well. This currently unique, locally produced example is therefore dated latest 3 rd or earliest second coinciding with ever-growing interaction between distant cultural entities stretching Europe beyond, allowing exchange ideas, fashions technologies.