Frying Pan

A term used to describe any shallow circular vessel or bowl with a decorated base found in the Early Bronze Age of the Cyclades, especially the Cycladic Grotta-Pelos and Keros-Syros cultures. Made of clay, the handle was split into two knob-like projections and the stamped or incised decoration often included spirals. The vessel's purpose is unknown, perhaps ritual but not for cooking. It has been suggested that when filled with water they were used as mirrors. The resemblance to a frying pan is superficial and certainly misleading.

A special type of shallow pottery bowl found in the Cycladic Early Bronze Age. It is characterized by low sides, a highly decorated base and a handle split into two knob-like projections. The resemblance to a frying pan is superficial and certainly misleading. The vessels were probably used for ritual purposes: the frequent occurrence of vulva symbols suggests that the ritual may have been connected with fertility and childbirth. [fu]. See ritual vessels (China).