Experimental interpretation of the presence of female genitalia in Early Bronze Age ‘frying pan'‐type ceramics from the Cyclades*

Abstract

Α new, testable, interpretation of the function of Aegean Early Bronze Age ‘frying pan' ceramics that combines some previously suggested uses is presented experimentally. The proposed function involves a well‐documented natural phenomenon responsible for the rapid change in colour of a natural salt marsh or salt pan surface due to the explosive population growth of the extremophile Archaea Halobacterium salinarium when the salt concentration approaches saturation. The cyclical nature of the appearance of red pigmentation on the salt marsh surface every late summer or every few weeks in a domestic ‘frying pan' presents an obvious analogy with the female menstruation cycle and provides an explanation for the fact that several ceramic vessels used for this purpose bear the characteristics of the female body. Furthermore, the resulting red pigment lends itself for use as a cosmetic colorant.