A large Canaanite Terracotta Pithos, Iron Age I-II, ca. 1400 - 800 BCE Buy Now! https://sandsoftimedc.com/products/mp1814 A pithos is a very large container whose shape clearly indicated that it was used for domestic storage. It probably had its place in one of the rooms of the house or in a corner of the courtyard and served to store liquids or dry substances. This large example features a rounded body that gradually tapers to a small flattened base, intended perhaps to be sunk into the floor.