Anthropologists have excavated sphero-conical vessels throughout the Middle East and Central Asia for decades. Yet the purposes of these receptacles, which often come equipped with cone-like bases and tiny openings to prevent spills, are still unclear; hypotheses range from beer gourds to smoking pipes.
A recent analysis of four such vessels — found in the Old City of Jerusalem during the 1960s and which date back to the 11th or 12th century — points toward a different theory. According to a team of researchers led by molecular anthropologist Carney Matheson, three of these ceramic pots likely contained oils, perfume and medicines, which matches up with previous expectations of such vessels. But the fourth, they say, may have been used as a medieval hand grenade during the Crusades.
