Investigation of Ring Burnished Pottery Samples from Tilbaşar Mound (Gaziantep, Turkey) Using Multiple Analysis Techniques

Abstract

In the present study, representative samples of ring burnished ceramic findings belonging to the Early Bronze Age (from Tilbaşar Mound, Gaziantep, Turkey) were archaeometrically investigated by means of multiple analysis methods covering X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy together with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, optical microscopy and thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis. Additionally, the colors of the potsherds were determined by chromametric analysis. The main aim of the research was to elucidate the raw material content (minerals, additional materials, if exist, etc.) and production features of the findings by means of chemical, mineralogical and microscopic techniques, as mentioned. The results indicated that the samples comprise carbonates suggesting use of calcareous clay batches which likely refer to a regional production (when the geological features of the area covering the mound are considered). Taking into account the mineral/phase content and the micro structural features (poor vitrification behavior) of the samples, it was deduced that the firing temperatures of the potsherds change in the range of 700-900oC which could be attributed to a relatively simple firing technique (e.g. pit firing). The whole data obtained in the study brought the thought that the ring burnished potteries have presumably been produced using simple techniques in terms of raw material preparation and firing technology.