Red/Black Pottery Fragment with Double Looped Handle

[v-drome]

Hi all.  Here is an interesting red and black painted? ceramic fragment with a double loop handle.  I have not found a close parallel, but I think it is Late Hellenistic or Early Roman, 2nd century BCE to 2nd Century CE, perhaps.  This was a surface find from the beach near Caesarea Maritima, so almost any date is possible.  Any ideas on type, form, and function, or even which way was up, would be greatly appreciated.  (I think the red was on the lower portion of the vessel, but I am not sure).

Thanks, V-drome

BCC CG15
Ceramic Fragment with Double Loop Handle
Late Hellenistic to Early Roman?
1st century BCE - 1st century CE?
Red and black painted pottery fragment with double
loop handle.  Light colored, moderately fine interior
clay.  The estimated diameter based on the exterior
curve is around 18-22cm.  The vertical profile and
dimensions have not been determined.
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1976.
5.5cm. x 3.6cm. x 0.2cm.  11.78gm.

(click for larger pic)

[SC]

Interesting piece.  I have not seen anything with handle like that.

I agree though that red was probably lower.

My guess is pre-Roman.

SC