Large Bell-Beaker Vessel

This large Bell-Beaker vessel is a handmade ceramic container made from a reddish clay. It was discovered in the Drólica Cave (Cueva Drólica) archeological site in Sarsa de Surta, Huesca. It dates from the Chalcolithic or Copper Age (2200–1800 BCE). It is an outstanding example of the spherical shape and narrow neck of this type of piece. The surface has been smoothed with a spatula and decorated with bands and linear incisions. It would have been used as a container, probably for liquid, and would have been very useful for storing provisions. Some researchers have suggested that this type of vessel would have been used for alcoholic drinks. Given the object's volume—around 16 gallons (60 liters)—it was almost certainly intended for group use.