Color Variation on Prehistoric Cypriot Red Polished Pottery

Abstract

Abstract Archaeologists in the field and laboratory commonly record colors of pottery using Munsell or other standard codes. These data are seldom used for more than primary documentation of individual items or to summarize common colors of a defined type or ware. Despite the many factors affecting pottery color it is possible to use this information to investigate patterns of variation within ceramic traditions and between contemporary sites, and to establish the degree of standardization or quality control achieved by ancient potters. Significant trends can be identified in the range and proportional occurrence of colors on assemblages of Red Polished Ware, the common pottery of the Early and Middle Cypriot Bronze Age (ca. 2300–1650 B.C.). These have implications for establishing the degree of control exercised over the process of manufacture and are relevant to discussions of the context of pottery production technology transfer, and inter-site relationships.