Fragment of Beardman jar

This object belongs to a type of vessel known as a Beardman Jug. The name is derived from the bearded face motif applied as a moulded decoration on the exterior surface of these vessels. However, vessels belonging to this tradition without the bearded face motif have also been found. The history of Beardman Jug production can be traced to the period between the 16th and 18th centuries CE. The earliest Beardman vessels were produced in the **Rhine Valley of Germany**. Such vessels became popular in Asia through the trade conducted by the **Dutch and English in the Indian Ocean**.