Minoan Bird's Nest Bowl

This type of Minoan stone vessel, with a rounded shoulder and small mouth, is conventionally termed "bird's nest bowl" because of its characteristic form. Bird's nest bowls are particularly common in Crete, but their shape derives from Egyptian prototypes. The relations between Crete and Egypt were close throughout the Bronze Age (about 3000-1100 B.C.), and several Egyptian stone vessels have been found in various Cretan sites. Bird's nest bowls were probably used to hold scented oil. Olive oil in particular was treated with aromatic plants such as rose, sage, coriander, and pomegranate. These vessels are commonly found as grave offerings in Minoan tombs, where such oil may have played a role in funerary rituals.