Shell-tempered ceramics: A case study of Western Tripolye kitchen ware in the Middle Dniester region

Abstract

The studies described in this article are based on the detailed examination of pottery assemblages from five Ukrainian sites attributed to the Western Tripolye Culture. Selected fragments of pottery were initially analysed using digital and electronic scanning microscopes in order to identify mollusc shells used as temper in pottery. Petrographic analysis revealed the elemental composition and techniques used in the manufacture of the ceramics, along with the differences between individual vessels.All the data was subsequently implemented in conducted experiments concerning the production of shell temper and ceramic vessels. The features of the vessels (resistance to thermal shock and influence of shell temper on cooking or stored products) were tested. Cooking products for experiments were selected according to the archaeological evidence. The pottery fragments and vessels used during these experiments were subsequently subjected to organic residue analysis.