- Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Minoan Archaeology, Social and Cultural Anthropology, Material Culture Studies, Minoan art and archaeology, Minoan and Mycenaean economy and administration, and 31 moreCeramic Petrography, Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Minoan Pottery (Ceramic Analysis), Pottery (Archaeology), Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Ceramics (Archaeology), Pottery technology and function, Mycenaean era archaeology, Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Archaeometry, Aegean Archaeology, Ceramic Technology, Craft production (Archaeology), Mechanical Properties of Ceramics, Anthropology of Technology, Archaeological Science, Archaeology of Crete, Ceramic Ethnoarchaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Pottery studies, Ceramics, Chaîne Opératoire, Aegean Prehistory, Minoan Crete, Provenance studies of archaeological material, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Late Bronze Age archaeology, Ethnoarchaeology, Archaeological Method & Theory, and Archaeology of Mediterranean Tradeedit
Research Interests:
Microfossils can be a common component of ancient ceramic artefacts. Their analysis in this unusual context is a little-known, yet promising, cross-disciplinary application of micropalaeontology. This article presents the first detailed... more
Microfossils can be a common component of ancient ceramic artefacts. Their analysis in this unusual context is a little-known, yet promising, cross-disciplinary application of micropalaeontology. This article presents the first detailed assessment of the phenomenon of microfossils in ancient ceramics and demonstrates how micropalaeontology can contribute to a range of issues in archaeological ceramic analysis and the reconstruction of the human past. In describing a methodology by which micropalaeon-tologists and archaeologists can analyse microfossiliferous ceramics, this paper presents the foundations of an approach, which is here referred to as 'ceramic micropalaeontology'.
Research Interests:
The calcareous skeletal remains of various microscopic organisms such as foraminifera and ostracods are a striking feature of thin sections of many archaeological ceramics from the Aegean Bronze Age. While the presence of these calcareous... more
The calcareous skeletal remains of various microscopic organisms such as foraminifera and ostracods are a striking feature of thin sections of many archaeological ceramics from the Aegean Bronze Age. While the presence of these calcareous microfossils in pottery has been noted for some time, attempts to utilize them to further the aims of ceramic compositional analysis have been few in number. In the following paper, we take a first detailed look at the occurrence and utility of calcareous microfossils in archaeological ceramics. By presenting selected case studies from the Bronze Age of Crete, we demonstrate the potential of calcareous microfossils, especially the extremely small 'nannofossils' and the highly contextual geological information that they contain, in terms of the characterization and grouping of ceramics, the determination of their provenance and the reconstruction of ancient technology.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Archaeological Science, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), and 9 moreNeolithic Europe, Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Ceramic Petrography, Early Neolithic pottery technology, Pottery technology and function, 3) Petrography and Manufacturing Technology of Ancient Ceramics, Ancient Ceramic Technology, Early Helladic Greece, and Pottery Firing Techniques
Research Interests:
Cobatillas la Vieja is one of the main settlements for understanding the beginning of the Late Bronze Age (14th-13th centuries cal. BC) in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. After the macroscopic study of their ceramic assemblage, 30... more
Cobatillas la Vieja is one of the main settlements for understanding the beginning of the Late Bronze Age (14th-13th centuries cal. BC) in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. After the macroscopic study of their ceramic assemblage, 30 representative samples were analysed by thin-section petrography, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and binocular microscopy to address issues of provenance and technology. The characterization of four different fabric groups and several individuals reveals a more complex picture of production traditions, pottery exchange and consumption than often assumed for this period of supposed recession and socio-cultural transition. Potters' choices in different production locations are discussed, with an examination on the nature of consumption in two households that suggest both regional and interregional exchange of ceramics in the Late Bronze Age.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
English abstract: For most of Southern Europe, the process of Neolithic expansion was associated with the dissemination of a range of knowledge, both socio-economic and technological. Among the latter, pottery allows us to observe... more
English abstract:
For most of Southern Europe, the process of Neolithic expansion was associated with the dissemination of a range of knowledge, both socio-economic and technological. Among the latter, pottery allows us to observe different traditions not only from the raw materials used, but also by providing information on different ways of doing. This work approaches both variables through the petrographic and microstructural observation of part of the ceramic record recovered from an open-air settlement documented in Colón Street of Novelda, Alicante, in the Vinalopó basin. The results obtained show differences in the way in which the raw materials were processed –i.e., tempering– and variable firing temperatures. Based on the composition of the ceramic pastes, most of the vessels are probably of local origin, while a smaller number of pieces do not match the geological environment of the site, which we interpret as imports. These results provide us with information on the strategies developed in the management of the surrounding space and the relationship with neighbouring regions and human communities.
Key words: Iberian Peninsula; Alicantine Zone; Early and Middle Neolithic; Ceramics; Optical Petrography; Scanning Electron Microscopy.
For most of Southern Europe, the process of Neolithic expansion was associated with the dissemination of a range of knowledge, both socio-economic and technological. Among the latter, pottery allows us to observe different traditions not only from the raw materials used, but also by providing information on different ways of doing. This work approaches both variables through the petrographic and microstructural observation of part of the ceramic record recovered from an open-air settlement documented in Colón Street of Novelda, Alicante, in the Vinalopó basin. The results obtained show differences in the way in which the raw materials were processed –i.e., tempering– and variable firing temperatures. Based on the composition of the ceramic pastes, most of the vessels are probably of local origin, while a smaller number of pieces do not match the geological environment of the site, which we interpret as imports. These results provide us with information on the strategies developed in the management of the surrounding space and the relationship with neighbouring regions and human communities.
Key words: Iberian Peninsula; Alicantine Zone; Early and Middle Neolithic; Ceramics; Optical Petrography; Scanning Electron Microscopy.
Research Interests: Archaeological Science, Archaeometry, Prehistoric religion and r ritual a, Iberian Prehistory (Archaeology), Migrations (Archaeology), and 8 moreCeramic Petrography, Early Neolithic pottery technology, Early Neolithic, Pottery technology and function, 3) Petrography and Manufacturing Technology of Ancient Ceramics, Technological transfer, Ancient Ceramic Technology, and Prehistoric Trade and Exchange
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Archaeology, Ceramic Technology, Archaeological Science, Archaeometry, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), and 9 moreAegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Mycenaean era archaeology, Minoan Archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Aegean Late Bronze Age, Mycenaean pottery, Pottery technology and function, 3) Petrography and Manufacturing Technology of Ancient Ceramics, and Minoan and Mycenaean economy and administration
Research Interests: Islamic Archaeology, Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Archaeometry, Byzantine Archaeology, and 11 moreCeramic Analysis (Archaeology), Medieval Pottery, Medieval Sicily, Ceramics (Archaeology), Ancient Technology (Archaeology), Early Islamic Archaeology, Craft production (Archaeology), Ceramic Petrography, Pottery, Pottery technology and function, and Ancient Ceramic Technology
Research Interests: Archaeological Science, Archaeometry, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Iron Age Iberian Peninsula (Archaeology), Archaeological Chemistry, and 8 moreArchaeomineralogy, Ceramic Petrography, Pottery technology and function, Ancient Pottery Analysis, 3) Petrography and Manufacturing Technology of Ancient Ceramics, Phoenician and Punic Studies, Pottery kilns, and Phoenician trade
The final stage in the life history of prehistoric pottery prior to archaeological recovery is usually the longest, and frequently the most dynamic. The remains of archaeological ceramics spend hundreds to thousands of years deposited... more
The final stage in the life history of prehistoric pottery prior to archaeological recovery is usually the longest, and frequently the most dynamic. The remains of archaeological ceramics spend hundreds to thousands of years deposited within the upper layers of the earth's crust where they encounter the same diagenetic environmental processes as the surrounding natural materials. Harsh conditions of subterranean environments induce physical stresses and chemical reactions, causing alterations of ceramic structure and composition. This is especially true of carbonate-rich ceramics, as carbonate phases are soluble when deposited within acidic environments. This paper examines common carbonate depletion and accretion effects of post-depositional environments on ancient ceramics from two rather different geological and archaeological contexts: Mesoamerica and the Mediterranean. Potters in both regions produce vessels with carbonate-rich materials-clays, calcite, limestone-that alter due to long exposure to low-pH sediments and continual water table fluctuations. Ceramic petrography is employed to identify traces of carbonate alterations within ceramic microstructure and to characterize fabrics. Elemental compositions of the same sherds are characterized through either scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and optical emission spectrometry (ICP-MS/OES) or neutron activation analysis (NAA). This method enabled comparison of the differing effects of post-depositional alteration of carbonate phases on bulk composition signatures commonly used to determine provenance.
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Archaeometry, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Maya Archaeology, Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Mycenaean era archaeology, and 7 moreArchaeological Chemistry, Provenance studies of archaeological material, Ceramic Petrography, Aegean Late Bronze Age, Chiapas, Ancient Pottery Analysis, and Archaeometric analysis of pottery
Research Interests: Archaeology, Classical Archaeology, Ceramic Technology, Archaeological Science, Archaeometry, and 10 moreCeramic Analysis (Archaeology), Greek Pottery, Amphorae (Archaeology), Provenance research, Provenance studies of archaeological material, portable XRF (PXRF) in Archaeology and Museum Science, Hellenistic Pottery, Archaeology of the Hellenistic East, Greek transport amphorae, and Cyprus Archaeology
Provenance studies of archaeological ceramics based on their elemental composition illuminate the production and distribution of pottery vessels and, in the case of transport containers, of the commodities that they contained. A basic... more
Provenance studies of archaeological ceramics based on their elemental composition illuminate the production and distribution of pottery vessels and, in the case of transport containers, of the commodities that they contained. A basic assumption is that the elemental composition of ceramics from a specific workshop or production area can be distinguished from other production groups, mainly because of the use of geochemically different clays, either singly or in combination. In some cases, however, the compositional differences between production groups are quite small. Thus, laboratory methods with high performance, in terms of precision and accuracy, such as neutron activation analysis (NAA) or wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), are often preferred for analyzing archaeological ceramics, especially for effective comparison with reference groups and published data from other studies. Handheld portable energy dispersive XRF systems (pXRF), although increasingly used during recent years, offer lesser analytical performance, which may obscure compositional differences and currently do not offer the same potential for comparison to known reference groups. However, due to their potential for fast and non-invasive measurements, considerably larger numbers of samples can be analysed by pXRF, offering an array of advantages. We argue that pXRF offers the opportunity for an initial analytical survey of a large ceramic assemblage as the basis for efficient sample selection for laboratory analysis, covering a large number of samples and avoiding for the generation of redundant measurements. We present the application of such a stepped analytical approach to a well-studied assemblage of amphorae of the Hellenistic period at Nea Paphos, Cyprus. The analysis of 287 amphora fragments by pXRF, the grouping of that data to select samples for further analysis of 97 individuals by NAA, and the comparison of the grouping of data from both chemical techniques is presented. This leads not only to archaeological insights on the production and circulation of amphorae, but tests an innovative methodology that offers the chance to maximize and extend the application of geochemical techniques of high accuracy and precision on an assemblage-wide scale.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Maritime commodity trade from the Near East to the Mycenaean heartland: Canaanite Jars in final palatial Tiryns. Canaanite jars from the palatial site of Tiryns in mainland Greece are shown to have been producedat a number of centres on... more
Maritime commodity trade from the Near East to the Mycenaean heartland: Canaanite Jars in final palatial Tiryns.
Canaanite jars from the palatial site of Tiryns in mainland Greece are shown to have been producedat a number of centres on the Levantine coast, emphasising the key role of the Argive coastal citadelin trade with the eastern Mediterranean at the end of the 13th century BCE. The analytical study ofthis assemblage draws on a detailed examination of key deposits connected to the last phase of thepalace at the site and its destruction, and combines thin section petrography and chemical analysis(NAA), providing major new insights into the specific production locations of these containers alongthe Levantine coast. Based on comparative material from other Aegean sites and especially theharbour of Kommos in southern Crete, typological, epigraphic and analytical data are combined todemonstrate that, towards the end of the 13th century BCE, Tiryns was interacting with differentLevantine centres than did Kommos roughly 100 years earlier. This diachronic shift in the source ofCanaanite jars reaching the Aegean has much to tell us about changing centres of political power,the emergence of regular commodity trade and even diplomatic problems, all at a time whencontainer shipment takes off and the demand for commodities starts to dominate relations betweenthe states surrounding the seaways of the eastern Mediterranean at the end of the Late Bronze Age.
Canaanite jars from the palatial site of Tiryns in mainland Greece are shown to have been producedat a number of centres on the Levantine coast, emphasising the key role of the Argive coastal citadelin trade with the eastern Mediterranean at the end of the 13th century BCE. The analytical study ofthis assemblage draws on a detailed examination of key deposits connected to the last phase of thepalace at the site and its destruction, and combines thin section petrography and chemical analysis(NAA), providing major new insights into the specific production locations of these containers alongthe Levantine coast. Based on comparative material from other Aegean sites and especially theharbour of Kommos in southern Crete, typological, epigraphic and analytical data are combined todemonstrate that, towards the end of the 13th century BCE, Tiryns was interacting with differentLevantine centres than did Kommos roughly 100 years earlier. This diachronic shift in the source ofCanaanite jars reaching the Aegean has much to tell us about changing centres of political power,the emergence of regular commodity trade and even diplomatic problems, all at a time whencontainer shipment takes off and the demand for commodities starts to dominate relations betweenthe states surrounding the seaways of the eastern Mediterranean at the end of the Late Bronze Age.
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Mediterranean prehistory, Levantine Archaeology, Archaeometry, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), and 9 moreCeramic Analysis (Archaeology), Aegean Egyptian Interrelatlations, Mycenaean era archaeology, Late Bronze Age archaeology, Aegean Archaeology, Maritime Trade Ceramics (Archaeology), Amphorae (Archaeology), Ceramic Petrography, and Minoan and Mycenaean economy and administration
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Mediterranean prehistory, Levantine Archaeology, Archaeometry, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), and 9 moreCeramic Analysis (Archaeology), Aegean Egyptian Interrelatlations, Mycenaean era archaeology, Late Bronze Age archaeology, Aegean Archaeology, Maritime Trade Ceramics (Archaeology), Amphorae (Archaeology), Ceramic Petrography, and Minoan and Mycenaean economy and administration
Research Interests: Islamic Archaeology, Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Early Medieval Archaeology, Medieval Archaeology, and 12 moreArchaeometry, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Medieval Pottery, Medieval ceramics (Archaeology), Medieval Sicily, Ceramics (Archaeology), Early Islamic Archaeology, Islamic pottery, Ceramic Petrography, Pottery, Islamic and Norman Sicily, and Pottery technology and function
The island of Samos occupies a key position between the central Aegean and western Anatolia during the third millennium BC. A recent study of the substantial pottery assemblages from the pivotal site of Heraion has defined a rich... more
The island of Samos occupies a key position between the central
Aegean and western Anatolia during the third millennium BC. A recent study of
the substantial pottery assemblages from the pivotal site of Heraion has defined
a rich stratigraphy covering the entire Early Bronze Age (EBA). Currently the
only known EBA site on Samos, Heraion has provided the opportunity to
undertake a holistic ceramic study with the aim of defining and characterizing
local pottery production and, by extension, determining for the first time a secure
provenance of suspected imported vessels, through the application of an
integrated typological/morphological, macroscopic and microscopic (ceramic
petrography) analytical methodology. This diachronic ceramic study, alongside
a comparative fabric study of pottery of known origin from a number of
contemporary sites, shows clear evidence for the exchange/importation of specific
vessel shapes and, in the case of the collared jars, presumably their contents. This
enables the reconstruction of patterns of interaction during the later phases of EB
II, when there was a particular acceleration in the movement of goods. The
present paper draws on a distinctive ceramic class (blue and red schist/phyllite
fabrics/wares) and vessel types (transport jars with incised/slashed handles and
beaked jugs with a two-stage neck profile) particular to the EB II late period
and discusses them in relation to already published or analysed data from
selected Cycladic and Anatolian sites.
Aegean and western Anatolia during the third millennium BC. A recent study of
the substantial pottery assemblages from the pivotal site of Heraion has defined
a rich stratigraphy covering the entire Early Bronze Age (EBA). Currently the
only known EBA site on Samos, Heraion has provided the opportunity to
undertake a holistic ceramic study with the aim of defining and characterizing
local pottery production and, by extension, determining for the first time a secure
provenance of suspected imported vessels, through the application of an
integrated typological/morphological, macroscopic and microscopic (ceramic
petrography) analytical methodology. This diachronic ceramic study, alongside
a comparative fabric study of pottery of known origin from a number of
contemporary sites, shows clear evidence for the exchange/importation of specific
vessel shapes and, in the case of the collared jars, presumably their contents. This
enables the reconstruction of patterns of interaction during the later phases of EB
II, when there was a particular acceleration in the movement of goods. The
present paper draws on a distinctive ceramic class (blue and red schist/phyllite
fabrics/wares) and vessel types (transport jars with incised/slashed handles and
beaked jugs with a two-stage neck profile) particular to the EB II late period
and discusses them in relation to already published or analysed data from
selected Cycladic and Anatolian sites.
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Typology, Archaeological Science, Anatolian Archaeology, Archaeometry, and 11 moreAegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Minoan Pottery (Ceramic Analysis), Ceramics (Archaeology), Maritime Trade Ceramics (Archaeology), Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Provenance studies of archaeological material, Ceramic Petrography, Early Bronze Age Cyclades, and Cycladic Archaeology
The island of Samos occupies a key position between the central Aegean and western Anatolia during the third millennium BC. A recent study of the substantial pottery assemblages from the pivotal site of Heraion has defined a rich... more
The island of Samos occupies a key position between the central Aegean and western Anatolia during the third millennium BC. A recent study of the substantial pottery assemblages from the pivotal site of Heraion has defined a rich stratigraphy covering the entire Early Bronze Age (EBA). Currently the only known EBA site on Samos, Heraion has provided the opportunity to undertake a holistic ceramic study with the aim of defining and characterizing local pottery production and, by extension, determining for the first time a secure provenance of suspected imported vessels, through the application of an integrated typological/morphological, macroscopic and microscopic (ceramic petrography) analytical methodology. This diachronic ceramic study, alongside a comparative fabric study of pottery of known origin from a number of contemporary sites, shows clear evidence for the exchange/importation of specific vessel shapes and, in the case of the collared jars, presumably their contents. This enables the reconstruction of patterns of interaction during the later phases of EB II, when there was a particular acceleration in the movement of goods. The present paper draws on a distinctive ceramic class (blue and red schist/phyllite fabrics/wares) and vessel types (transport jars with incised/slashed handles and beaked jugs with a two‐stage neck profile) particular to the EB II late period and discusses them in relation to already published or analysed data from selected Cycladic and Anatolian sites.
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Ancient economies (Archaeology), Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Archaeometry, and 11 moreAegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Mycenaean era archaeology, Aegean Archaeology, Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Ceramic Petrography, Chronology, Pottery technology and function, Pottery studies, Thin Section Petrography, and Commensality
This paper discusses the analysis of Early Bronze Age ‘Talioti’ style ceramics found at sites across Corinthia and the Argolid, in the NE Peloponnese of mainland Greece. Forming part of a broader programme of analysis, it presents the... more
This paper discusses the analysis of Early Bronze Age ‘Talioti’ style ceramics found at sites across Corinthia and the Argolid, in the NE Peloponnese of mainland Greece. Forming part of a broader programme of analysis, it presents the results of an integrated methodology to address questions relating to the potential sources of raw materials, the identification of potting practices, and the nature of vessel movement during the EBA period. The objective of the work has been to place site-based results within a broader spatial and temporal context, specifically examining how this characteristic ceramic assemblage has been used as a chronological and cultural marker for the Early Bronze Age 1 (EBI) period in the NE Peloponnese of Greece, and the implications of analysis for our understanding of its chronological and spatial distribution.
Research Interests:
This paper discusses some of the key results of petrographic analysis undertaken on LN–EH II ceramic material from the site of Midea. Through examination of the petrological and technological variability present at Midea, our results... more
This paper discusses some of the key results of petrographic analysis undertaken on LN–EH II ceramic material from the site of Midea. Through examination of the petrological and technological variability present at Midea, our results suggest both continuity and significant changes in technological practice, distribution trends and consumption choices over time. Key amongst our results has been the identification of a fabric characterised by sandstone and low-grade metamorphic rocks, thought to originate in the area of the Talioti Valley, and indicating the presence of a major centre of production in the Argolid. Other fabrics testify to shared technological traditions and raw material choices across the northeastern Peloponnese, which have a very long history of use. Significant changes are presented, not only in specific technological choices, but also in the distribution of vessels from particular production centres. These reflect increased interaction between communities in the Argolid and Corinthia over time.
Keywords: Neolithic, Early Helladic, petrography, ceramics, technological tradition, northeastern Peloponnese
Keywords: Neolithic, Early Helladic, petrography, ceramics, technological tradition, northeastern Peloponnese
Research Interests:
Fabrics and Technology: Phase A (Section 3.3.1) (by Peter M. Day, Noemi S. Muller and V. Kilikoglou). In Irene Nikolakopoulou 2019. Akrotiri, Thera. Middle Bronze Age Pottery and Stratigraphy Vols. Athens: Archaeologiki Etaireia Athinon, Library Series Volume 318, 323-376. [PDF of whole section].more
Research Interests: Ceramic Technology, Archaeological Science, Archaeometry, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), and 10 moreMinoan Pottery (Ceramic Analysis), Ceramics (Archaeology), Maritime Trade Ceramics (Archaeology), Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Middle Bronze Age, Minoan Archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Technological change, Pottery technology and function, and Cycladic Archaeology
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Pottery (Archaeology), Ceramic Technology, Archaeological Science, Eurasian Nomads, and 11 moreNeolithic Archaeology, Archaeometry, Technological Innovation, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Ceramics (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Cooking and Food Preparation (archaeology), Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Pottery technology and function, and Archaeology of the Eurasian steppe belt
Research Interests: Maritime Archaeology, Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Cypriot Archaeology, Sardinia (Archaeology), and 18 moreArchaeometry, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Mycenaean era archaeology, Late Bronze Age archaeology, Cypriot Bronze Age, Minoan Pottery (Ceramic Analysis), Ceramics (Archaeology), Aegean Archaeology, Minoan Archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Aegean Prehistory, Sardinian Nuragic, Sardinian Prehistoric Archaeology, Mycenaean pottery, Minoan and Mycenaean economy and administration, and Sardinian nuraghes
Combined petrographic and chemical analysis of MN and LN ceramics from the Cave of the Cyclops on the island of Youra, Greece, has revealed a compositionally diverse assemblage with a range of different local and off-island sources.... more
Combined petrographic and chemical analysis of MN and LN ceramics from the Cave of the Cyclops on the island of Youra, Greece, has revealed a compositionally diverse assemblage with a range of different local and off-island sources. Ceramics deposited in Neolithic times on this barren, rocky outpost of the Sporades chain may have originated from a surprising number of possible origins, including from the Plain of Thessaly, Euboea and the volcanic northeast Aegean islands. This picture challenges traditional assumptions about Neolithic pottery production and indicates that significant movement of ceramics was already taking place within the northern Aegean as early as the beginning of the sixth millennium BC. The discovery of a persistent local pottery tradition, that is also found on the neighbouring island of Kyra-Panagia, indicates significant continuity in ceramic technology over some 1500 years.
Research Interests:
Combined petrographic and chemical analysis of MN and LN ceramics from the Cave of the Cyclops on the island of Youra, Greece, has revealed a compositionally diverse assemblage with a range of different local and off-island sources.... more
Combined petrographic and chemical analysis of MN and LN ceramics from the Cave of the Cyclops on the island of Youra, Greece, has revealed a compositionally diverse assemblage with a range of different local and off-island sources. Ceramics deposited in Neolithic times on this barren, rocky outpost of the Sporades chain may have originated from a surprising number of possible origins, including from the Plain of Thessaly, Euboea and the volcanic northeast Aegean islands. This picture challenges traditional assumptions about Neolithic pottery production and indicates that significant movement of ceramics was already taking place within the northern Aegean as early as the beginning of the sixth millennium BC. The discovery of a persistent local pottery tradition, that is also found on the neighbouring island of Kyra-Panagia, indicates significant continuity in ceramic technology over some 1500 years.
This paper considers the structure of production, distribution and consumption of ceramics within Chalcolithic communities of SE Iberia, an important region for modelling social and technological change in the recent prehistory of... more
This paper considers the structure of production, distribution and consumption of ceramics within Chalcolithic communities of SE Iberia, an important region for modelling social and technological change in the recent prehistory of Eurasia. Our research provides new data through the comparative analysis of domestic and metallurgical ceramics, as well as building and other clay-rich materials from the archaeological site of Las Pilas (2875–2620 cal. BC 2σ to 2460–2205 cal. BC 2σ) (Mojácar, Almería). In total, 56 samples are characterised by optical petrography, with SEM analysis of 22 of those individuals, in order to assess firing conditions. Results point to the existence of a local tradition in which domestic and metallurgical wares exhibit important similarities in their production processes. In terms of technology, the assemblage shows a relative homogeneity, although firing conditions, surface treatment and decoration seem to have played an important role in the differentiation of highly symbolic wares from other ceramics. We conclude that raw material procurement and processing at Las Pilas differ from those at other Copper Age sites already studied in SE and SW Iberia. This is in agreement with earlier archaeometallurgical studies on Las Pilas, suggesting the development of local and community-based technological traditions. As such, the paper attempts to bridge the recent divide between re-emergent top-down models and our detailed understandings of technological practice.
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Pottery (Archaeology), Ceramic Technology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 16 moreChalcolithic Pottery, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Archaeometry, Technological Innovation, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Iberian Prehistory (Archaeology), Archaeology of the Iberian Peninsula, Archaeometallurgy, Ceramics (Archaeology), Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Ceramic Petrography, Technological change, Ancient Metallurgy, Early Bronze Age, Pottery technology and function, and Chalcolithic Metallurgy
The present landscape of the Mesara Plain, an intermountain basin located in Southern Crete, results from millennia of geological transformation. Human presence in the area had a strong impact on landscape change since the Final Neolithic... more
The present landscape of the Mesara Plain, an intermountain basin located in Southern Crete, results from millennia of geological transformation. Human presence in the area had a strong impact on landscape change since the Final Neolithic (second half of the 4th millennium BC), when the first signs of land erosion and deforestation
appeared. This phase has been considered in Crete as “transitional” due to emergence of new settlement patterns and material culture. The main site on the Plain is Phaistos, which is located on a hilltop near the Yerapotamos River.
The site offers great potential for the examination of the Final Neolithic-Early Bronze Age transition in Crete, on account of the landscape and changes in the human occupation and manufacturing activity. Pottery manufacture of these transitional phases has been examined in detail, revealing a complex picture of continuity and change in raw mate-
rial use. Similarly, our understanding of the landscape surrounding the site has been transformed with the discovery of the formation of a lake to the South of the hill site from the mid-3rd millennium. This paper presents collaborative research on landscape change and its influence on raw material availability for pottery manufacture in the area.
appeared. This phase has been considered in Crete as “transitional” due to emergence of new settlement patterns and material culture. The main site on the Plain is Phaistos, which is located on a hilltop near the Yerapotamos River.
The site offers great potential for the examination of the Final Neolithic-Early Bronze Age transition in Crete, on account of the landscape and changes in the human occupation and manufacturing activity. Pottery manufacture of these transitional phases has been examined in detail, revealing a complex picture of continuity and change in raw mate-
rial use. Similarly, our understanding of the landscape surrounding the site has been transformed with the discovery of the formation of a lake to the South of the hill site from the mid-3rd millennium. This paper presents collaborative research on landscape change and its influence on raw material availability for pottery manufacture in the area.
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Neolithic Archaeology, Archaeometry, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), and 17 moreCeramic Analysis (Archaeology), Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Ceramics (Archaeology), Aegean Archaeology, Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Ceramic Petrography, Archaeology of Crete, Quaternary Sedimentology and Geomorphology, Raw materials, Pottery technology and function, 3) Petrography and Manufacturing Technology of Ancient Ceramics, Ancient Ceramic Technology, Phaistos, Minoan Crete, Néolithique final, Mesara Archaeology, and Ceramic Ecology
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Anatolian Archaeology, Archaeometry, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), and 11 moreAegean Archaeology, Pottery, Liman Tepe, ANKUSAM, IRERP, Aegean Prehistory, Liman Tepe/ Klazomenai, Pottery technology and function, İzmir, Bakla tepe, and Early Bronze Age Anatolian Trade Network
Changes in firing practice have been suggested as representing a revolution in ceramic technology at the beginning of the Bronze Age in Crete. The introduction of kiln structures has been held responsible for such a change, perhaps by... more
Changes in firing practice have been suggested as representing a revolution in ceramic technology at the beginning of the Bronze Age in Crete. The introduction of kiln structures has been held responsible for such a change, perhaps by newcomers to the island, along with other innovative technologies. However, these hypotheses were often based on limited analytical data and mostly on macroscopic examination. This paper reexamines the suggestion of a transformation in firing technology at the beginning of the Bronze Age by presenting analyses of the rich ceramic assemblage from the site of Phaistos in South-Central Crete, which offers a rare, good stratigraphic sequence from the end of the Final Neolithic into the Early Bronze Age. Here, firing technology is reconstructed by macroscopic examination of colour across vessel breaks, by SEM examination and FT-IR analysis. This allows the reconstruction of temperature ranges and firing rates over the phases considered and a re-assessment of changes in firing technology, revealing a more multi-faceted pattern of change. Finally, changes in firing procedure are contextualised in the overall ceramic operational sequence, revealing a complex, stepped picture of change in ceramic production over the transition from the Final Neolithic.
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Ceramic Technology, Archaeological Science, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 15 moreArchaeometry, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Minoan Pottery (Ceramic Analysis), Ceramics (Archaeology), Aegean Archaeology, Minoan art and archaeology, Minoan Archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Archaeology of Crete, Pottery technology and function, Pottery kilns, Phaistos, Minoan Crete, and Néolithique final
In this paper petrographic and NAA analyses of two categories of ceramic wares of the early medieval Vega of Granada (southeast Spain) are presented. The vessels analysed include Water Containers and Glazed Wares and were manufactured... more
In this paper petrographic and NAA analyses of two categories of ceramic wares of the early medieval Vega of Granada (southeast Spain) are presented. The vessels analysed include Water Containers and Glazed Wares and were manufactured between the sixth and the twelfth centuries CE. This is the period of the Islamization of Iberia and the emergence of al-Andalus. The studies in this paper offer an opportunity to understand technological, social and economic changes that were part of the pattern of Islamization. The results of this work show that there is a differential pattern of distribution for the samples studied in the eastern and western areas of the Vega and that there is a chronological change in technological variability of the production of the wares under investigation. An earlier period in which this variability is high gave way to a period where the variability is much less and potentially more standardised technological procedures were followed.
Research Interests: Historical Archaeology, Islamic Archaeology, Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Early Medieval Archaeology, and 14 moreAl-Andalus, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Ceramics (Archaeology), Archaeological Chemistry, Al Andalus (Islamic History), Early Islamic Archaeology, Andalusia/Al-Andalus, Ceramic Petrography, Al-Andalus archaeology, Technological change, Pottery technology and function, Thin Section Petrography, Certification, and Glazed Ceramics
The island of Lesvos in the Eastern Aegean has been prominent on our TV screens during the human migration towards Europe. It is not the first such mass movement that this area has suffered, which may account for the extraordinary way in... more
The island of Lesvos in the Eastern Aegean has been prominent on our TV screens during the human migration towards Europe. It is not the first such mass movement that this area has suffered, which may account for the extraordinary way in which the islanders have come to the aid of refugees. The last major population movement in the area, as a result of the 1923 Lausanne Treaty, comprised the 'exchange' of around two million Christians, forced out of Asia Minor, East Thrace and the Black Sea littoral, as the Ottoman empire collapsed, with one million Muslims from the emerging Greek nation forcibly transferred to what is now present day Turkey. Inevitably some of those transferred were craftspeople engaged in the production of distinctive items of material culture, moved to a wholly new environment. This paper discusses this phenomenon and specifically the case of potters. Some of the potters came from Canakkale, and Kutahya in present day Turkey, working in the tradition of bizarre glazed wares in the first case and a tradition based on the highly decorative Iznik pottery of the Ottoman Court in the latter. They settled on some of the East Aegean islands, including Mytilene, which already had a large number of active workshops producing utilitarian pottery, notably water jars, but including cooking vessels. Several generations later, the present study of individual potters, their products, practices and motivations builds on rich ethnographic study on the island by a variety of scholars. Pottery vessels on the island provide a window onto the construction of tradition, contested ceramic landscapes, intrusive traditions are (re)-housed within a new home. The shape and decoration of vessels, the way they are fired, even their raw materials become arenas for the negotiation of identity. It also provides insight of the differences between local and national (state) narratives of tradition and how heritage should be conserved. This report of ongoing research examines different narratives, involving individual potters in relation to the modern Greek state, placing value on 'tradition' and 'authenticity'. The idea promoted by heritage organisations of 'tradition' as static and something to be preserved contrasts with the economic reality of life as a potter. The tensions highlighted by terminologies of inclusion or exclusion, whether that be potters versus ceramicists, craft versus art, reveal a fluidity of materials, practice and identity in which the 'foreign' becomes incorporated and, in some cases, becomes the paradigm of tradition.
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Ceramic Technology, Refugee Studies, Authenticity, STS (Anthropology), and 11 moreMigration Studies, Traditional Crafts, Ceramics (Archaeology), Greek Pottery, Pottery, science and technology studies (STS), Refugees and Forced Migration Studies, Ceramic Ethnoarchaeology, çanakkale, Modern Pottery, and Ottoman Period Canakkale Ceramics
"The Earlier Prepalatial Settlement of Poros-Katsambas: craft production and exchange at the harbour town of Knossos", N. Dimopoulou, D.E. Wilson and P.M. Day, in P.M. Day and R. Doonan (eds.), Metallurgy in the Early Bronze Age Aegean (Sheffield Studies in Aegean Archaeology, 7, 2007), pp. 84-97more
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Neolithic Archaeology, Archaeometry, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), and 13 moreCeramic Analysis (Archaeology), Minoan Pottery (Ceramic Analysis), Ceramics (Archaeology), Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Minoan art and archaeology, Minoan Archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, 3) Petrography and Manufacturing Technology of Ancient Ceramics, Minoan Crete, Final neolithic, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Early Bronze Age, Neolithic Crete, and Prepalatial Crete
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Archaeometry, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), and 14 moreAegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Petrology of Ceramics and Stone Artifacts, Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Ceramic Petrography, Petrographic Analysis of Ceramics, Aegean Prehistory, Pottery technology and function, 3) Petrography and Manufacturing Technology of Ancient Ceramics, Thin Section Petrography, Early Helladic, Argolid, Archaeometric analysis of pottery, Early Helladic Greece, and Ceramic Petrology
In the early part of the Early Bronze (EB) II period, the Aegean world sees the appearance of the collared jar, the first ceramic Maritime Transport Container (MTC) of the region. Based on a study and scientific analyses of hundreds of EB... more
In the early part of the Early Bronze (EB) II period, the Aegean world sees the appearance of the collared jar, the first ceramic Maritime Transport Container (MTC) of the region. Based on a study and scientific analyses of hundreds of EB II transport jars, focusing on the harbour towns of Poros-Katsambas on Crete, Akrotiri on Thera and Ayia Irini on Kea, we identify some of the key production areas in both the Cyclades (Kea, Siphnos, Melos, Naxos, Thera) and on mainland Greece (Attica). In addition to surveying the spatial and temporal distribution of these EB II jar types at a number of key Aegean coastal sites, we consider the high value liquid commodity being transported and exchanged in these jars, and suggest wine as a likely candidate. We argue that the emergence of the transport jar in EB II should be viewed as part of the same phenomenon as the outburst of pouring and drinking vessels in contemporary Aegean contexts, all evidence for new social practices of drinking and feasting in the private and public spheres.
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Archaeometry, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), and 15 moreAegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Ceramics (Archaeology), Aegean Archaeology, Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Amphorae (Archaeology), Minoan Archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Petrographic Analysis of Ceramics, Aegean Prehistory, Trade and Exchange, Archaeometry, Commerce and Market Exchange, Conflict, warfare, and relief, Early Bronze Age, Early Bronze Age Cyclades, Cyclades, Early Helladic Greece, and Early Minoan II
Transport jars from the Mycenaean citadel of Tiryns, a coastal centre in the Bronze Age, were analysed in a macroscopic and petrographic study. Over 400 vessels and vessel fragments, mostly Transport Stirrup Jars (TSJs) and Canaanite... more
Transport jars from the Mycenaean citadel of Tiryns, a coastal centre in the Bronze Age, were analysed in a macroscopic and petrographic study. Over 400 vessels and vessel fragments, mostly Transport Stirrup Jars (TSJs) and Canaanite jars, were recorded; around a quarter of them were selected for analysis. The vessels derive from both the upper and lower citadel, with a few from the lower town. Their chronological span ranges from Late Helladic (LH) IIIB1 to LH IIIC Developed (ca 1300–1070 BC) but the bulk of the material dates to LH IIIB2 (ca 1200 BC), and comes from dumps derived from the final destruction of the palace. Several sources are suggested for the TSJs, some of which are inscribed with Linear B: Kythera, the eastern Aegean (perhaps Kos), Kontopigado-Alimos in Attica, Corinth and several other mainland sources, as yet unidentified. It is suggested that a large group of TSJs with shape and decoration derived from central Cretan types were produced in the vicinity of the Argive Plain. Two thirds of the TSJs, however, come from Crete. With the exception of one from the Vrokastro area of east Crete, these are evenly derived from the Chania plain and the western edge of the Mesara plain in central Crete, where the Minoan centres of Kommos, Phaistos and Ayia Triada are located.
We discuss the implications of all this for our understanding of the economy and society of Crete after the destruction of the palace of Knossos, and for the relationship between Crete and the Mycenaean palatial centres in the Argolid.
We discuss the implications of all this for our understanding of the economy and society of Crete after the destruction of the palace of Knossos, and for the relationship between Crete and the Mycenaean palatial centres in the Argolid.
Research Interests: Maritime Archaeology, Pottery (Archaeology), Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), and 19 moreMycenaean era archaeology, Late Bronze Age archaeology, Minoan Pottery (Ceramic Analysis), Aegean Archaeology, Minoan art and archaeology, Minoan Archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Aegean Late Bronze Age, Aegean Prehistory, Linear B, Mycenaean pottery, Minoan and Mycenaean economy and administration, Minoan Linear A, Linear B, Mycenaean Greek, Minoan Crete, Late Bronze Age Levant and new kingdom Egypt, Tiryns, Mesara Archaeology, and AEE Problems
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
This volume presents the fruits of research that began in the 1980s concerning a class of pottery that has assumed increasing importance in Italian late prehistory, namely pottery of Mycenaean type or style, usually decorated, dating from... more
This volume presents the fruits of research that began in the 1980s concerning a class of pottery that has assumed increasing importance in Italian late prehistory, namely pottery of Mycenaean type or style, usually decorated, dating from the 17th to 11th century BC, and found throughout peninsular Italy, Sicily and Sardinia. Its significance lies in the way this pottery reflects Italy’s growing connections with the outside world at this time, mainly with the Aegean but also further afield to the east. Establishing that much of this pottery was made within Italy has led to its labelling ‘Italo-Mycenaean’.
Following the book’s introduction, there is a gazetteer of sites where this and related pottery has been found in Italy. The next chapter provides a comparative chronology between the Aegean and Italy. There is then the presentation of the pottery itself, its characterisation by style and with science-based analysis to determine its origins and technological attributes; the results of experimental reconstruction are included. The impact of external influences on the indigenous cultures within Italy and Italy’s role in the so-called Late Bronze Age ‘International Age’ in the Mediterranean are among the main issues considered in the last chapter.
Following the book’s introduction, there is a gazetteer of sites where this and related pottery has been found in Italy. The next chapter provides a comparative chronology between the Aegean and Italy. There is then the presentation of the pottery itself, its characterisation by style and with science-based analysis to determine its origins and technological attributes; the results of experimental reconstruction are included. The impact of external influences on the indigenous cultures within Italy and Italy’s role in the so-called Late Bronze Age ‘International Age’ in the Mediterranean are among the main issues considered in the last chapter.
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Sardinia (Archaeology), Greek Colonisation, Archaeometry, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), and 10 moreMycenaean era archaeology, Late Bronze Age archaeology, Minoan Pottery (Ceramic Analysis), Aegean Archaeology, Mycenaean, Greek Colonization (Magna Graecia and Sicily), Mycenaean pottery, Minoan and Mycenaean economy and administration, Italian Pre- and Protohistory, and Mycenaean Greece
Research Interests: Archaeological Science, Archaeometry, Minoan Pottery (Ceramic Analysis), Minoan art and archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, and 7 moreAegean Prehistory, Archaeology of Crete, Pottery Technology, Ancient Ceramic Technology, Pottery kilns, Late Bronze Age on Crete and the Greek Mainland, and Minoan Crete
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Archaeometry, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), and 6 moreAegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Ceramics (Archaeology), Aegean Archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Pottery technology and function, and Ancient Pottery Analysis
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Pottery (Archaeology), Scanning Electron Microscopy, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 11 moreArchaeometry, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectroscopy, Archaeometallurgy, Archaeomineralogy, Neolithic Europe, Ceramic Petrography, Ceramics, Early Neolithic pottery technology, Pottery technology and function, and Moroccan Archaeology
Since Catling and Millett's seminal chemical provenance study published in 1965, the characteristic Bronze Age amphorae, the Transport Stirrup Jars have taken centre stage in reflecting the potentials and foibles of ceramic analysis.... more
Since Catling and Millett's seminal chemical provenance study published in 1965, the characteristic Bronze Age amphorae, the Transport Stirrup Jars have taken centre stage in reflecting the potentials and foibles of ceramic analysis. Originally attracting attention on account of their Linear B inscriptions, the provenance of these containers was expected to reveal much about the power relations between the Minoan and Mycenaean worlds.
While much was expected from initial studies in offering an objective approach to provenance, the assumptions behind the chemical analysis were heavily reliant on archaeological opinion and expectation which turned out to be misleading. Epigraphy has often been pitted against 'science' and there has been a lack of understanding as to how integrated ceramic studies should operate.
Relating new work which highlights the production of these jars as much on the Greek mainland and islands as on the island of Crete, these jars are also seen in a changing historical context, revealing a history of their use that spans the whole Bronze Age. It is contended that we need to make fully integrated studies of these vessels, which acknowledge the importance of contextual, comparative archaeological material in analytical characterisation, in a similar way to that required in typological and epigraphical studies.
While much was expected from initial studies in offering an objective approach to provenance, the assumptions behind the chemical analysis were heavily reliant on archaeological opinion and expectation which turned out to be misleading. Epigraphy has often been pitted against 'science' and there has been a lack of understanding as to how integrated ceramic studies should operate.
Relating new work which highlights the production of these jars as much on the Greek mainland and islands as on the island of Crete, these jars are also seen in a changing historical context, revealing a history of their use that spans the whole Bronze Age. It is contended that we need to make fully integrated studies of these vessels, which acknowledge the importance of contextual, comparative archaeological material in analytical characterisation, in a similar way to that required in typological and epigraphical studies.
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeometry, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Mycenaean era archaeology, Minoan Pottery (Ceramic Analysis), and 8 moreCeramics (Archaeology), Maritime Trade Ceramics (Archaeology), Minoan art and archaeology, Minoan Archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Petrographic Analysis of Ceramics, Mycenaean pottery, and Minoan and Mycenaean economy and administration
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Pottery (Archaeology), Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Mycenaean era archaeology, and 13 moreLate Bronze Age archaeology, Minoan Pottery (Ceramic Analysis), Trade, Mediterranean archaeology, Minoan art and archaeology, Amphorae (Archaeology), Minoan Archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Amphorae, Minoan and Mycenaean economy and administration, Wine and Olive Oil Production, Wine and Olive Oil Production, and Antic Technology
Introduction to Ceramic Petrography short course 2018 _ deadline 31st January!
Research Interests:
Presented at the VIIth Festival of the Nuragic Civilization, Sarroch-Oristano-Orroli-Selargius, Sardinia, 22-24 September 2023). International Meeting "Minoans, Mycenaeans and Cypriots in Sardinia and the Mediterranean in memory of Lucia... more
Presented at the VIIth Festival of the Nuragic Civilization, Sarroch-Oristano-Orroli-Selargius, Sardinia, 22-24 September 2023). International Meeting "Minoans, Mycenaeans and Cypriots in Sardinia and the Mediterranean in memory of Lucia Vagnetti"
Research Interests: Maritime Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Pottery (Archaeology), Ceramic Technology, Cypriot Archaeology, and 14 moreSardinia (Archaeology), Archaeometry, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Late Bronze Age archaeology, Archaeology of Mediterranean Trade, Minoan Archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Nuragic Archaeology, Sardinian Nuragic, Ancient Pottery Analysis, Archaeology of Magna Graecia and Sicily, Neutron Activation Analysis, and Cagliari
Paper presented in Session 529. BEYOND IDENTITIES: CRAFTING INFORMATION IN THE OLD WORLD FROM THE BRONZE AGE UNTIL THE LATE 1ST MILLENNIUM BCE, 29th EAA Annual Meeting (Belfast, Northern Ireland, 30th August – 2nd September 2023).
Research Interests: Classical Archaeology, Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Archaeometry, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), and 15 moreGreek Archaeology, Ceramics (Archaeology), Amphorae (Archaeology), Bronze and Iron Ages in Eastern Mediterranean (Archaeology), Iron Age, Ceramic Petrography, Geometric and archaic Greece, 3) Petrography and Manufacturing Technology of Ancient Ceramics, Mechanical Properties of Materials, Ancient Ceramic Technology, Greek transport amphorae, Attic pottery, archaic Greek Pottery, Athens and Attica, and Corinthian pottery
Paper Presented in Session 437 CURRENT RESEARCH IN THE AMERICAS [EAA4AM], 29th EAA Annual Meeting (Belfast, Northern Ireland, 30th August – 2nd September 2023
Research Interests: Indigenous Studies, Ceramic Technology, Archaeological Science, Technology transfer, Archaeometry, and 12 moreCeramic Analysis (Archaeology), Acculturation, Panama, Ceramic Petrography, Pottery technology and function, Ancient Pottery Analysis, 3) Petrography and Manufacturing Technology of Ancient Ceramics, Spanish Colonialism, Maiolica, Chaîne Opératoire, Colonial Pottery Production, and Valdivia
Paper to be presented at XXI Congreso Nacional de Arqueología Argentina, Simposio 16. 10th-14th July 2023
Research Interests: Archaeological Science, Colonialism, Archaeometry, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Acculturation, and 6 moreCeramic Petrography, Technological change, Spanish American colonial studies, South American Archaeology, Pottery technology and function, and 3) Petrography and Manufacturing Technology of Ancient Ceramics
Paper to be presented in the Symposium: "The power of ceramics: Transformations and interactions in the Eastern Mediterranean during the Late Bronze and Iron Ages", Tel Aviv University, February 21‒23, 2023. The symposium is also being... more
Paper to be presented in the Symposium: "The power of ceramics: Transformations and interactions in the Eastern Mediterranean during the Late Bronze and Iron Ages", Tel Aviv University, February 21‒23, 2023. The symposium is also being streamed online.
Research Interests: Archaeological Science, Levantine Archaeology, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Archaeometry, Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), and 9 moreMycenaean era archaeology, Minoan Pottery (Ceramic Analysis), Archaeology of Mediterranean Trade, Minoan Archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Cyprus and the East Mediterranean, Ancient Pottery Analysis, Minoan and Mycenaean economy and administration, and Bronze Age Cyprus
Paper presented at 43rd Theoretical Archaeology Conference, Edinburgh, Scotland, December 2022. Doctoral research of Helen Thompson supported by WRoCAH and the Tecnolonial Project.
Research Interests: Ceramic Technology, Archaeological Science, Archaeology of Colonialisms, Archaeometry, Acculturation, and 7 moreSpanish Colonial Archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Technological change, Cultural hybridity, Pottery technology and function, 3) Petrography and Manufacturing Technology of Ancient Ceramics, and Archaeology of Colonialism
Paper presented at ICC – AIPEA XVII International Clay Conference, Istanbul, Turkey, 25-29 July 2022
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Archaeometry, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Bronze and Iron Ages in Eastern Mediterranean (Archaeology), and 6 moreProvenance studies of archaeological material, Ceramic Petrography, Raw materials, Pottery technology and function, Trade and Exchange, and Neutron Activation Analysis
Paper presented at the International Workshop: “From the Final Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age in the Peloponnese, Nafplio, June 20-21, 2022.
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Neolithic Archaeology, Archaeometry, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), and 7 moreAegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Ceramic Petrography, Aegean Bronze Age Chronology, Early Bronze Age, Ancient Pottery Analysis, and Chalcolithic
Paper presented at EAA Annual Meeting, Budapest Aug-Sept. 2022. Session #359: BORDERLANDS, INTERACTION ZONES, AND BOUNDED SPACES IN THE PREHISTORIC EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN: INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES IN THE RECONSTRUCTION OF CONNECTIVITY
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Ceramics (Ceramics), Archaeometry, Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), and 9 moreCeramic Petrography, Technological change, Early Bronze Age, Pottery technology and function, 3) Petrography and Manufacturing Technology of Ancient Ceramics, Trade and Exchange, Early Helladic Greece, Pottery Firing Techniques, and Social Change During the Early Bronze Age
Poster presented at the 42nd International Symposium on Archaeometry (ISA), Mérida, Mexico. May 20-26, 2018.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Ceramic Technology, Archaeometry, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Iron Age Iberian Peninsula (Archaeology), Phoenician Punic Archaeology, and 7 moreCooking and Food Preparation (archaeology), Ceramic Petrography, Protohistoric Iberian Peninsula, Early Neolithic pottery technology, Pottery technology and function, Cooking pots, and Phoenician and Punic Studies
Poster presented at 15th European Meeting on Ancient Ceramics, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. September 2015.
Research Interests:
Paper presented at the European meeting on Ancient Ceramics, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, September 2019.
Research Interests: Technology, Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Neolithic Archaeology, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), and 9 moreNeolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Archaeometry, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Iberian Prehistory (Archaeology), Ceramics (Archaeology), Ceramic Petrography, Early Neolithic pottery technology, Pottery technology and function, and Pottery Production
Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America, San Diego, USA. January 2019.
Research Interests: Archaeological Science, Archaeometry, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), and 8 moreMycenaean era archaeology, Minoan Pottery (Ceramic Analysis), Minoan Archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Aegean Late Bronze Age, Mycenaean pottery, Pottery technology and function, and Minoan Crete
Paper presented at 42nd International Symposium on Archaeometry, 2018 in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.
Research Interests: Islamic Archaeology, Archaeological Science, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Archaeometry, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), and 7 moreMedieval Sicily, Early Islamic Archaeology, Early and Medieval Islamic Art and Architecture, Ceramic Petrography, Pottery technology and function, Ancient Ceramic Technology, and Glazed Ceramics
Paper presented at 42nd International Symposium on Archaeometry, 2018 in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Archaeometry, Bronze Age Archaeology, Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), and 8 moreEarly Bronze Age (Archaeology), Ceramic Petrography, Technological change, Pottery technology and function, 3) Petrography and Manufacturing Technology of Ancient Ceramics, Ancient Ceramic Technology, Early Helladic Greece, and Pottery Firing Techniques
Presented at 24th EAA Annual Meeting, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. September 2018.
Research Interests: Ceramic Technology, Archaeological Science, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Archaeometry, and 8 moreCeramic Analysis (Archaeology), Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Mycenaean era archaeology, Late Bronze Age archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Pottery technology and function, Ancient Pottery Analysis, and Minoan and Mycenaean economy and administration
Presented at 24th EAA Annual Meeting, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. September 2018.
Research Interests: Archaeological Science, Greek Colonisation, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Archaeometry, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), and 11 moreAegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Mycenaean era archaeology, Late Bronze Age archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Mycenaean pottery, Pottery technology and function, 3) Petrography and Manufacturing Technology of Ancient Ceramics, Minoan and Mycenaean economy and administration, Italian Pre- and Protohistory, Pottery production technology, and Handmade burnished ware
Paper presented at EAA, Maastricht. August/September 2017.
Research Interests:
Archaeology has commenced a reassessment of the “Western Islamic” heritage of Europe. Such research entails not only ethical, but also methodological issues. Islamic studies have focused on Art History and Architecture, which both tend to... more
Archaeology has commenced a reassessment of the “Western Islamic” heritage of Europe. Such research entails not only ethical, but also methodological issues. Islamic studies have focused on Art History and Architecture, which both tend to overlook the life of “commoners”. Equally, while archaeologists often use pottery as an index of people’s movements and habits, research has been heavily influenced by traditional approaches to Islamic studies, with their emphasis on objects of perceived artistic and aesthetic value, judged worthy of study and collecting. This paper aims to redress the balance, giving ordinary Islamic pottery a chance to shine. It argues that an appreciation of the technology, exchange and consumption of everyday ceramics offers insight into the lives of ordinary people, understandings that go beyond those generated from text and elite material culture.
Cooking pots, table wares, storage jars and transport amphorae from three excavations in Sicily have been studied macroscopically, by ceramic petrography and by SEM-EDS. This allows the reconstruction of raw material recipes, forming methods and finishing techniques employed in ceramic production. Moreover, two assemblages from the earlier Byzantine phases have been studied, comparing the ceramics of these two culturally different periods.
It is argued that the study of total ceramic assemblages allows a better understanding of the pottery production and technology in early Islamic Sicily. The diachronic comparison of assemblages provides insight into changes in the origin and technology of pottery of the 8th-11th centuries, while also highlighting aspects of Byzantine pottery that continued into the Islamic period. Marked changes in the importation of transport jars and other vessels are revealed, in addition to local production locations during this time of change. In addition, the exchange and imitation of common pottery types within Islamic Sicily challenges our simplistic assumptions of economic and political boundaries within the island.
Cooking pots, table wares, storage jars and transport amphorae from three excavations in Sicily have been studied macroscopically, by ceramic petrography and by SEM-EDS. This allows the reconstruction of raw material recipes, forming methods and finishing techniques employed in ceramic production. Moreover, two assemblages from the earlier Byzantine phases have been studied, comparing the ceramics of these two culturally different periods.
It is argued that the study of total ceramic assemblages allows a better understanding of the pottery production and technology in early Islamic Sicily. The diachronic comparison of assemblages provides insight into changes in the origin and technology of pottery of the 8th-11th centuries, while also highlighting aspects of Byzantine pottery that continued into the Islamic period. Marked changes in the importation of transport jars and other vessels are revealed, in addition to local production locations during this time of change. In addition, the exchange and imitation of common pottery types within Islamic Sicily challenges our simplistic assumptions of economic and political boundaries within the island.
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Early Medieval Archaeology, Medieval Archaeology, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), and 7 moreMedieval Sicily, Ceramics (Archaeology), Early Islamic Archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Islamic Sicily, Islamic and Norman Sicily, and Archaeology of Islamic Sicily and South Italy
PROVENANCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF SICILIAN COOKING WARES AND AMPHORAE FROM THE SITES OF COLMITELLA AND ROCCHICELLA (6TH- 9TH CENTURY AD). Veronica Testolini (University of Sheffield), Roberta Longo (University of Catania), Maria Serena Rizzo... more
PROVENANCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF SICILIAN COOKING WARES AND AMPHORAE FROM THE SITES OF COLMITELLA AND ROCCHICELLA (6TH- 9TH CENTURY AD).
Veronica Testolini (University of Sheffield), Roberta Longo (University of Catania), Maria Serena Rizzo (Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of Temples), Lucia Arcifa (University of Catania), Giuseppe Montana (University of Palermo), Peter Day (University of Sheffield).
Key words: Sicily, 6th-9th century, petrographic analysis, production and consumption, provenance, technology.
Sicily occupies a central position in the Mediterranean Sea, being the natural layover on trade routes in the ancient Mediterranean world. However, this central role needs to be confirmed for the Byzantine period (6th-9th), by a comprehensive study of the pottery assemblages from recent excavations. Indeed, the sites of Rocchicella (Catania) and Sofiana (Caltanisetta) in East Sicily with the sites of Colmitella (Agrigento), Cignana (Agrigento) and Vito Soldano (Agrigento) in South-West Sicily are some of only very few archaeological excavations on the island that cover the entire chronological span of the Byzantine period. This study characterises and compares provenance and technology of cooking wares and amphorae from the sites of Rocchicella and Colmitella, with the aim of identifying changes and continuity in Sicilian production centres and pottery routes. The material has been analysed by ceramic petrography, taking into account macroscopic observation of shape, forming methods, and finishing. The results show that Colmitella and Rocchicella in the 6th-7th century were using different cooking pots: Colmitella employed local and Pantellerian cooking pots, whilst Rocchicella largely consumed cooking vessels from its locality. On the other hand, both sites received North African amphorae with the same finish, along with some uncommon, probably regional products. The next phase of these settlements shows a remarkable change in the pottery assemblage. The main type of cooking pots in both the sites is now a calcite tempered, coil built casserole. Moreover, the amphorae show a greater variety of fabrics than in the previous phase, no longer North African imports. Instead some recognised as local products were exchanged between the two sites. This preliminary study discusses the clear and significant change in pottery production and consumption across the island from 7th century onwards.
Veronica Testolini (University of Sheffield), Roberta Longo (University of Catania), Maria Serena Rizzo (Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of Temples), Lucia Arcifa (University of Catania), Giuseppe Montana (University of Palermo), Peter Day (University of Sheffield).
Key words: Sicily, 6th-9th century, petrographic analysis, production and consumption, provenance, technology.
Sicily occupies a central position in the Mediterranean Sea, being the natural layover on trade routes in the ancient Mediterranean world. However, this central role needs to be confirmed for the Byzantine period (6th-9th), by a comprehensive study of the pottery assemblages from recent excavations. Indeed, the sites of Rocchicella (Catania) and Sofiana (Caltanisetta) in East Sicily with the sites of Colmitella (Agrigento), Cignana (Agrigento) and Vito Soldano (Agrigento) in South-West Sicily are some of only very few archaeological excavations on the island that cover the entire chronological span of the Byzantine period. This study characterises and compares provenance and technology of cooking wares and amphorae from the sites of Rocchicella and Colmitella, with the aim of identifying changes and continuity in Sicilian production centres and pottery routes. The material has been analysed by ceramic petrography, taking into account macroscopic observation of shape, forming methods, and finishing. The results show that Colmitella and Rocchicella in the 6th-7th century were using different cooking pots: Colmitella employed local and Pantellerian cooking pots, whilst Rocchicella largely consumed cooking vessels from its locality. On the other hand, both sites received North African amphorae with the same finish, along with some uncommon, probably regional products. The next phase of these settlements shows a remarkable change in the pottery assemblage. The main type of cooking pots in both the sites is now a calcite tempered, coil built casserole. Moreover, the amphorae show a greater variety of fabrics than in the previous phase, no longer North African imports. Instead some recognised as local products were exchanged between the two sites. This preliminary study discusses the clear and significant change in pottery production and consumption across the island from 7th century onwards.
Research Interests:
Paper presented at 41st International Symposium on Archaeometry, Kalamata, Greece, May 2016.
Research Interests:
Paper presented at 41st International Symposium on Archaeometry, Kalamata, Greece, May 2016.
Research Interests:
Paper presented at 41st International Symposium on Archaeometry, Kalamata, Greece, May 2016.
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Archaeometry, Bronze Age Archaeology, and 9 moreCeramic Analysis (Archaeology), Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), Minoan Pottery (Ceramic Analysis), Neolithic Europe, Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Minoan Archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Archaeological survey, and Archaeology of Crete
Paper presented at 41st International Symposium on Archaeometry, Kalamata, Greece, May 2016.
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Archaeometry, Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), and 7 moreCeramic Analysis (Archaeology), Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Ancient Trade & Commerce (Archaeology), Bronze and Iron Ages in Eastern Mediterranean (Archaeology), Anatolian Prehistory, Ceramic Petrography, and Ancient Pottery Analysis
Paper presented at 41st International Symposium on Archaeometry, Kalamata, Greece, May 2016.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Paper presented at 41st International Symposium on Archaeometry, Kalamata, Greece, May 2016.
Research Interests:
Paper presented at 41st International Symposium on Archaeometry, Kalamata, Greece, May 2016.
Research Interests:
Paper presented at 41st International Symposium on Archaeometry, Kalamata, Greece, May 2016.
Research Interests: Aegean Bronze Age (Bronze Age Archaeology), Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Mycenaean era archaeology, Minoan Pottery (Ceramic Analysis), Minoan Archaeology, and 6 moreMycenaean, Ceramic Petrography, Aegean Late Bronze Age, Linear B, Ancient Pottery Analysis, and Minoan and Mycenaean economy and administration
NEOMEDPOT examines the changes which took place in the South-western Mediterranean basin during the Neolithic and the beginning of the Chalcolithic period, and, specifically, the interactions between North Africa and the southern coast of... more
NEOMEDPOT examines the changes which took place in the South-western Mediterranean basin during the Neolithic and the beginning of the Chalcolithic period, and, specifically, the interactions between North Africa and the southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula across the straits of Gibraltar.
The methodology employed is an integrated approach based on instrumental analysis of pots (optical petrography and SEM), including morphological, ornamental and functional characterization of ceramic products; as well as the comparison of ceramic fabrics with potential raw materials in the study areas.
While Neolithic cultures have often been defined according to their pottery and their stylistic groups, it is the technological traditions associated to them will allow us to explore mechanisms of knowledge transmission and innovation, labour organization and the construction of exchange networks.
This approach is centred on instrumental analysis, with sampling based on macroscopic attributes of the pottery vessels. Macroscopic technological and stylistic study of the materials has been considered the base of our research.
According to the macroscopic groups resulting from these initial observations, new groups of samples attending to their microtextural features are to be defined. Optical petrography has been chosen as the basis for this research, as it offers both technological and provenance information. Although less used for Neolithic-Chalcolithic products, other techniques, e.g. chemical and mineralogical analyses, are to be used in order to provide relevant information about the extension and homogeneity of pottery productions. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) will be used for the microstructural analysis of the fabrics, to determine the degree of vitrification of the clay matrix.
The methodology employed is an integrated approach based on instrumental analysis of pots (optical petrography and SEM), including morphological, ornamental and functional characterization of ceramic products; as well as the comparison of ceramic fabrics with potential raw materials in the study areas.
While Neolithic cultures have often been defined according to their pottery and their stylistic groups, it is the technological traditions associated to them will allow us to explore mechanisms of knowledge transmission and innovation, labour organization and the construction of exchange networks.
This approach is centred on instrumental analysis, with sampling based on macroscopic attributes of the pottery vessels. Macroscopic technological and stylistic study of the materials has been considered the base of our research.
According to the macroscopic groups resulting from these initial observations, new groups of samples attending to their microtextural features are to be defined. Optical petrography has been chosen as the basis for this research, as it offers both technological and provenance information. Although less used for Neolithic-Chalcolithic products, other techniques, e.g. chemical and mineralogical analyses, are to be used in order to provide relevant information about the extension and homogeneity of pottery productions. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) will be used for the microstructural analysis of the fabrics, to determine the degree of vitrification of the clay matrix.
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Mediterranean prehistory, Neolithic Archaeology, Archaeometry, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), and 10 moreIberian Prehistory (Archaeology), Ceramics (Archaeology), Mediterranean archaeology, Mediterranean and North Africa, Ceramic Petrography, Early Neolithic pottery technology, Andalusia, Pottery technology and function, Moroccan Archaeology, and Cardial Pottery
Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Archaeometry, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Aegean Prehistory (Archaeology), and 8 moreCeramics (Archaeology), Aegean Archaeology, Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Provenance studies of archaeological material, Ceramic Petrography, Chronology, Pottery technology and function, and Commensality
This paper will discuss some of the key results of petrographic analysis undertaken on LN–EH II ceramic material from the site of Midea. Through examination of the petrological and technological variability present at Midea, our results... more
This paper will discuss some of the key results of petrographic analysis undertaken on LN–EH II ceramic material from the site of Midea. Through examination of the petrological and technological variability present at Midea, our results suggest both continuity and significant changes in technological practice, distribution trends and consumption
choices over time. Key amongst our results has been the identification of a fabric characterised by sandstone and low-grade metamorphic rocks, thought to originate in the area of the Talioti Valley, and indicating the presence of a major centre of production in the Argolid. Other fabrics testify to shared technological traditions and raw material choices across the northeastern Peloponnese, which have a very long history of use. Significant changes are presented, not only in specific technological choices, but also in the distribution of vessels from particular production centres. These reflect increased interaction between communities in the Argolid and Corinthia over time.
choices over time. Key amongst our results has been the identification of a fabric characterised by sandstone and low-grade metamorphic rocks, thought to originate in the area of the Talioti Valley, and indicating the presence of a major centre of production in the Argolid. Other fabrics testify to shared technological traditions and raw material choices across the northeastern Peloponnese, which have a very long history of use. Significant changes are presented, not only in specific technological choices, but also in the distribution of vessels from particular production centres. These reflect increased interaction between communities in the Argolid and Corinthia over time.
Research Interests:
ONLINE ACCESS HERE https://rdcu.be/dbRb4 This paper presents the analysis of Early Helladic II (EH II) pottery from Keramidaki (Ancient Corinth) and the nearby settlement of Korakou. Based on macroscopic, petrographic and SEM-EDS data,... more
ONLINE ACCESS HERE https://rdcu.be/dbRb4
This paper presents the analysis of Early Helladic II (EH II) pottery from Keramidaki (Ancient Corinth) and the nearby settlement of Korakou. Based on macroscopic, petrographic and SEM-EDS data, the work builds on pioneering chemical research by Michael Attas who demonstrated the limited circulation of finewares in the region and posited the existence of a workshop in the area of the Corinthian Plain. The current research adds substantial detail to Attas' insights by characterising the varied range of pottery fabrics encompassed within his chemical groups, differences in raw material choice and manipulation, and the presence of both oxidation and reduction firing regimes to achieve different surface finishes. It is suggested that the area hosted a number of potters during this period, some making a broad range of pottery types to satisfy daily consumption needs of the local community, whilst others produced a more restricted repertoire.
This paper presents the analysis of Early Helladic II (EH II) pottery from Keramidaki (Ancient Corinth) and the nearby settlement of Korakou. Based on macroscopic, petrographic and SEM-EDS data, the work builds on pioneering chemical research by Michael Attas who demonstrated the limited circulation of finewares in the region and posited the existence of a workshop in the area of the Corinthian Plain. The current research adds substantial detail to Attas' insights by characterising the varied range of pottery fabrics encompassed within his chemical groups, differences in raw material choice and manipulation, and the presence of both oxidation and reduction firing regimes to achieve different surface finishes. It is suggested that the area hosted a number of potters during this period, some making a broad range of pottery types to satisfy daily consumption needs of the local community, whilst others produced a more restricted repertoire.
Research Interests:
Variability in ceramic classes and technological practice is discussed across the range of pottery produced at or near Phaistos, Crete in Early Minoan IB. It is at this time that new shapes and surface decoration were introduced, leading... more
Variability in ceramic classes and technological practice is discussed across the range of pottery produced at or near Phaistos, Crete in Early Minoan IB. It is at this time that new shapes and surface decoration were introduced, leading to the suggestion of abrupt discontinuity in ceramic manufacture, if not in society. Drawn from a broader study of the Neolithic to Early Bronze Age transition, this paper uses an integrated approach exploiting macroscopic, petrographic and microstructural analysis to reconstruct ceramic manufacture at this time. The chaîne opératoire of three different wares, dark-on-light (DOL), dark grey pattern burnished (DGPB) and cooking pot ware (CPW), are discussed. While raw material choice, manipulation and firing conditions are varied between these classes of pottery, many of the techniques are seen to have existed in preceding phases at the site. Furthermore, while the appearance and manufacture of different wares are quite distinct, they are joined together by a rare and characteristic method of forming. The clear distinction, for the first time, of different ware groups across the ceramic repertoire is investigated and suggestions made as to its implications for our understanding of transformations in production and especially in consumption.