Early Medieval coarse wares from northern Bactria-Tokharistan. Archaeological and archaeometric characterization

Abstract

The paper focuses on the archaeological contextualization and archaeometric characterization of Early Medieval coarse wares from the town of Khosijat Tepe and the castle of Balalyk Tepe (southern Uzbekistan), located in ancient northern Bactria-Tokharistan. From the 5th to the 8th centuries CE, this territory was marked by the successive arrival of nomadic tribes (Chionites/Kidarites and Hephthalites) which interacted with the Kushano-Sasanian population and contributed to the development of regional traditions and specific cultural characteristics. The study of ceramic artifacts is fundamental to ascertaining these processes, but the research conducted to date on this issue is very limited. Thus, we aim, first, to examine the morphological and technological features of some cooking wares, storage jars, and common wares, proposing a functional and morphological classification. Second, we want to detect the changes introduced by the nomadic tribes and evaluate the extent of these changes through a comparison with coeval ceramics from nearby sites. Optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence were performed on 16 specimens to evaluate the provenance and to determine the manufacturing processes (choice and working of raw materials, shaping methods, surface treatments, and firing regime). The results of the investigation revealed that all the vessels analyzed are local/regional products; however, the procurement and processing of the raw materials vary considerably depending on provenance and function. The appearance of new shapes and decorations, which have parallels in several settlements of northern Bactria, bears witness to the spread of nomadic traditions at the regional level.