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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Olive Oil Amphora
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
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Olive Oil Amphora

Artifact IDMO 63.679a
Object Type Vessel
Date 1st-3rd century AD
Date Presented4/17/61
Gifter
Place of GiftWashington, D.C., United States
Medium Clay
DimensionsOverall H 38 in x W 18 in (96.5 cm x 45.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionThis vessel is a Roman copy of a Spanish amphora form. It was used to transport olive oil during the early Roman period, similar to the amphora types Dressel 20 and 23. The amphora is wheel made, and has an undulating, globular shaped body on a short toe. The neck has two ovoid shaped handles attached at the shoulder, and the rim has a triangular profile. There are many marine encrustations on the amphora indicating that it laid on the sea floor for sometime prior to its discovery. The vessel is mounted on a metal stand which allows it to rest upright.
Historical NoteThis vessel was presented to President Kennedy by Constantine Karamanlis, Prime Minister of Greece (1955-1963, 1974-1980), during his state visit to the White House on April 17, 1961.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a foreign official to the President and First Lady received through the Executive office during the Kennedy Administration and transferred to the General Service Administration where it was held until donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view