Cypriot Bichrome Ware Juglet (Bilbil) northafrican An inscription for the original

An inscription for the original owner remains faintly visible but is obscured by surface oxidation

While grand tombs of earlier periods featured hundreds or thousands of mingqi

These spirits are honored through elaborate rituals and ceremonies that reaffirm lineage

Object biographies

Such jars were originally filled with ritual offerings—coins

Cypriot Bichrome Ware Juglet (Bilbil) northafrican An inscription for the originalLate Cypriot II, c. 14501200 BC, Republic of Cyprus An exquisite Cypriot bichrome ware juglet, known as a bilbil, finely preserved from the Late Bronze Age. This miniature vessel features a globular body rising to a slender neck with a pronounced ridge and a flaring trumpet shaped mouth. A single strap handle curves elegantly from the shoulder to the neck, while the piece rests on a small ring foot. Painted decoration enhances its form, with dark red