Production and distribution of White Ware towards the end of Late Bronze Age in Greece

Abstract

This article discusses new evidence concerning the production and distribution of White Ware, a pottery class characterized by its distinct sandy fabric, pale surface and predominantly simple decoration that was in circulation in the Aegean during the two last centuries of the 2nd millennium BCE. After a summary of previous studies and hypotheses concerning its production location(s), results of petrographic and Neutron Activation Analysis for White Ware pottery from Eleon and Lefkandi are presented. They confirm that White Ware from these sites is identical to that of Perati, and that it was most likely produced at the same location. Several lines of evidence, including distribution pattern and most recent discoveries in the area of Perati, designate East Attica the most likely production area for White Ware.