JIA/A Note on “Grenades” as Fire-starter Flasks

The paper provides a short note on the function of sphero-conical vessels as either fire-blowers (aeolipiles) or as fire-starter flasks. The evolution of the form is briefly recounted from examples in Egyptian excavations, with additional examples from Quseir al-Qadim and Khirbet al-Mafjar. These latter examples strongly indicate domestic use and suggest a primary function in enhancement of fire.