Characterization Of Pottery Research Articles

Emulación decorativa y cerámicas ancestrales. Posibles fuentes de inspiración de las alfareras meseteñas de la Edad del Bronce

This paper explores decorative resemblances between Neolithic and Chalcolithic ceramics and pottery in the Cogotas i style –Later Bronze Age–. A diachronic approach from the Early Neolithic allows tracking a series of recurring ornamental motifs and techniques throughout later prehistory: comparable geometric themes, the deployment of stab-and-drag –Boquique– and excision techniques and smearing of white inlays. In order to account for such analogies, a suite of options is assessed: mere coincidence, independent innovation, trans-cultural endurance of craftwork procedures. The most likely hypothesis considers a revival of such technological decisions by potters in the second millennium bc; they did so fully aware of their alien character. Such pottery features were used to elaborate a symbolic code displayed on vessels, whose transmission and faithful reproduction were of crucial importance. Ancient potsherds were used as prototypes by potters, and might have been understood as part of ancestral, esoteric or mythical realities. Such cultural preference is consistent with the habitual handling of relics and anachronistic or exotic things. The lifestyles of these people facilitated their encountering of remains from their past, either removing soil (to cultivate and pit-digging) on the same settings occupied by their predecessors, or visiting and altering old megaliths and tumuli, caves and ditched enclosures.

Badania nad morfologią i stylistyką wczesnośredniowiecznych naczyń ceramicznych z Napola na ziemi chełmińskiej

Vessel ceramics belongs undoubtedly to the group of the most important movable sources obtained during excavation research. Studies on detailed early mediaeval pottery production should be regarded as essential part of past reconstruction process. Wide range of archaeological studies on settlements and grads carried out in Chełmno-Dobrzyń Lake District for over 20 years have substantially contributed to collecting source base concerning pottery. This source category elaboration constitutes one of the most significant tasks fulfilled by the Department of Archaeology of the Early Middle Ages of NCU in Toruń.The necessity of conducting complex analysis of pottery ceramics focused researchers’ attention on absolute need of taking up studies on working out efficient analytic tool. These works started in mid 80’s of 20th century and led to creating, commonly accepted, program of describing the most significant technical-morphological features of vessel ceramics, modified and expanded in the course of further studies. Its first visible effect was the schedule of ceramics’ analysis from the lower Drwęca basin published by W. Chudziak (1991), which became the grounds for the project of early and late mediaeval vessels’ description from Chełmno Land, prepared in the beginning of the 90’s of the last century, modified by D. Poliński (1996). After next changes it was applied for elaboration of collections of vessels originating from the studies conducted within the „Adalbertus” research program (Chudziak, Poliński, Moszczyński 1997, pp. 83–95). Usefulness of this form in multi-aspect vessel ceramics’ analysis was confirmed in the following years, when it became a convenient tool for pottery description in objects obtained during rescue excavation studies in the sites placed on future motorway A1 situating. It enabled efficient ceramic material elaboration as well as obtaining the results easy to compare and draw general conclusions. As a result of many years’ work the scheme of technical-morphological features of ceramic vessels’ description was created finally, which is a flexible tool and the elements included enable, without its integrity damage, to make slight changes, which in turn ease elaborating of various technically and stylistically ceramics of early and late phases of early Middle Ages. It has been in use for some years in analyses of ceramics collection from Kałdus, counting several hundred thousand items (Błędowski 2004; Chudziak 2003) as well as numerous other sites, which material has been prepared for publication. This project has been also adopted in other centers beyond Toruń University (compare: Grążawski 2002; Trzeciecka, Trzeciecki 2002, pp. 99–134; Trzeciecki 2002, pp. 111–180).As the major mean of work the scheme was used in elaborating nearly 30 thousand item collection of ceramics originating from the studies carried out in the years 1991–1994 in Napole, kujawsko-pomorskie province (Bojarski 2006). The settlement complex studied by the Institute of Archaeology of NCU, consisting of a grad and two quasi-opened settlements delivered the vessel collection dating from 2nd half of 7th century until the beginning of 13th century. The ceramics originating from Napolski micro-region was regarded as a collection fully representative for the whole early mediaeval pottery manufacturing requiring, therefore comprehensive elaboration.The article above contains the presentation of the first part of vessel ceramics’ analysis, consisting of the description of physical pottery features, including technical- technological characteristics (techniques of manufacturing, kind of mass used, pottery recipe and conditions of baking), but also the ones concerning pottery stylistic- morphological features (multistage classification of dish forms, ordination of outlets and bottoms, ornamentation motifs and complete decorative systems). The complete material, without any division it into separate sites or collections, was subjected to analysis recognizing the technique of vessels’ manufacturing with distinguishing five technical groups (hand-made vessels, through partially wheel-thrown ones up to completely wheel-thrown objects) as a crucial criterion. The results obtained became the base for further concluding on the subject of transformations observed in pottery manufacturing and defining chronological-spatial bonds of Napole ceramics as well as its periodization. Considerations on the subject compose the grounds for separate author’s publication (in preparing).

Characterization of pottery from Republic of Macedonia. III. A study of comparative mineralogical detection efficiency using micro‐Raman mapping and X‐ray diffraction

Point‐to‐point micro‐Raman and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were employed for characterization of minerals present in the pottery body of 27 glazed Byzantine and Ottoman pottery shreds, excavated at two different archaeological sites in the Republic of Macedonia: in Skopje (Skopsko Kale) and in Prilep (Markovi Kuli and Sv. Atanas Church). The Raman spectra of 18 Byzantine samples (dating from 12th−14th century) and nine Ottoman samples (dating from 17th−19th century) revealed 26 different minerals. XRD measurements were further performed on the same powder samples to validate the mineralogical assessment obtained by point‐to‐point micro‐Raman spectroscopy. Although only 13 different mineral phases were obtained by the XRD, the results obtained from the Raman and XRD spectra for the most abundant minerals in the investigated pottery bodies match quite well. However, the identification of the less abundant minerals in the clay matrixes from the XRD data was very difficult, if at all possible. The results emphasize the specifics of the applied techniques and their limits. Additionally, wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy was used for the elemental analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Analysis of Ancient Potteries of Tamilnadu, India by Spectroscopic Techniques

We report the spectroscopic investigation of ancient potteries excavated in Tamilnadu. Qualitative analyses were carried out to determine the major and minor constituent minerals present in the samples based on the band position or location of IR absorption peaks. From the prominent i.r. absorption peaks, the minerals were identified from the available literature. The constituents of minerals present in the potteries are further confirmed by XRD technique. Both FT-IR and XRD techniques reveals the mineral composition of ancient potteries. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was used to determine the major, minor and trace element composition of potsherds of ancient potteries. The concentration of trace elements is helpful for the characterization of pottery produced in a given region. The combined techniques are very much useful for the characterization of potteries.

On the Transition and the Characteristics of Pottery with two-foldmouth in Southwest Korea

On the Transition and the Characteristics of Pottery with two-foldmouth in Southwest Korea

Characterization of pottery from Republic of Macedonia II. Raman and infrared analyses of glazed pottery finds from Skopsko Kale

AbstractByzantine and Ottoman pottery shards from Skopsko Kale, Republic of Macedonia (27 samples) were analyzed by infrared (IR) and micro‐Raman spectroscopies. IR spectroscopy provided data for assessing the firing temperature of the ceramic body as well as the basic mineralogical composition, while micro‐Raman spectroscopy was used for studying the glazes as well as for estimating the mineralogical composition of the ceramic body. The firing temperature of the Byzantine pottery was more uniform and ranged between 700 and 800 °C. In the case of the Ottoman pottery, a clear distinction between two different firing temperatures in the samples was made, thereby dividing them into two groups (700–800 and 800–900 °C). According to the previously established relationship between glaze composition and Raman parameters, the glazes in all analyzed samples were found to be lead‐based, with firing temperature below 700 °C. A total of 25 different mineral phases was identified in the body of the ceramics. Some pigments were also identified in the pottery glazes. Oleic acid (oil) and apatite residues (protein?) were identified in one sample. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Characterization of pottery from the Republic of Macedonia I: Raman analyses of Byzantine glazed pottery excavated from Prilep and Skopje (12th–14th century)

AbstractIn order to gain some understanding of and to characterize the materials used in Byzantine glazed ceramic finds in the Republic of Macedonia, as well as to obtain information on their manufacturing technology, micro‐Raman spectra of 15 representative glazed shards, all dated from 12th to 14th century, were recorded. The elemental composition of the body and glaze of selected shards was obtained by scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (SEM‐EDXS). At least 17 different minerals in the ceramic body were identified from the Raman spectra, among which were a variety of feldspars (microcline, albite and sanidine) as well as andradite, apatite and forsterite. According to the identified minerals, locations of the used raw materials in the vicinity of the archaeological sites are proposed. There is a good correlation between the polymerization index derived from the Raman spectra and the lead content obtained from the SEM‐EDXS analyses, therefore the firing temperature of the analyzed glazes could be assessed. The SEM‐EDXS analyses showed the presence of different coloring agents (Cu, Co, Cr, Sb) as well as opacifying (Sb) and fluxing (Pb) agents in the glaze matrix. The content of P2O5 in the glaze of one of the shards is also discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Production and Distribution of Pottery at Pompeii: A Review of the Evidence; Part 2, the Material Basis for Production and Distribution

This study, in two parts; reviews the evidence from Pompeii for the production and distribution of pottery. Part 1 (AJA 113 [2009] 57-79) considers the production of pottery. Part 2, the present article, examines the material basis for pottery production at Pompeii (i.e., the availability and use of the raw materials) and its distribution. A consideration of the raw materials for pottery production available in the greater Pompeii region and the compositional characteristics of pottery from Pompeii permit some general observations about where these vessels were likely manufactured. While a large portion was probably produced at or near Pompeii, substantial numbers of vessels, including thin-walled wares, lamps, and amphoras, were probably manufactured elsewhere in the region. Non-amphora pottery was probably distributed to consumers at Pompeii by three methods: sale at the workshop, sale at a shop, and sale by a peddler. Some classes of non-amphora pottery imported from outside the region are abundant enough to suggest that they reached Pompeii via regularly functioning distribution mechanisms involving middleman merchants and/or the captains/crews of merchant ships. Other classes of imported non-amphora pottery that occur in only small quantities probably arrived via less regular mechanisms. Wine and fish products originating in the territory of Pompeii were probably packaged in amphoras at facilities located along the coast, and newly manufactured amphoras were probably transported to these establishments for filling from production facilities elsewhere. Pompeii may well be anomalous for the large portion of its pottery that was manufactured beyond the immediate environs of the town.*

イラン北部における青銅器時代から初期鉄器時代への移行

Materials excavated from the deep layer of Noruz Mahale are from the Bronze Age. Arimatsu No other Bronze Age materials have been excavated on the Southwest Caspian coast. Moreover, it is important that among them is pottery similar to the LBGW (Late Bronze Age Gray Ware) from Gorgan on the southeast Caspian coast. This is farther west they have been excavated. It means the LBGW culture flowed into this region as early as the Bronze Age and that LBGW or LBGW-like pottery extended to a far wider area than was thought before.Generally, it is said that LBGW is the ancestor of the Early Iron Age pottery in the northern part of Iran. However, there is no direct relationship between the characteristics of pottery from Noruz Mahale and those of pottery of the Early Iron Age in this region. On the other hand the funerary practices and bronze materials of the Early Iron Age in this region use many elements which owe their origin to the Caucasus. So, it is probably best if we accept that in the change from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age in Iran there were influences from various areas and assume that there were diverse aspects of this change in each region.

PROCESSING CLAY FOR POTTERY IN NORTHERN CAMEROON: SOCIAL AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS*

For several decades, interpreting technical variations in the physical characteristics of pottery has followed two major trends: the ‘cultural’approach and the ‘behavioural or ‘techno‐functionalist’approach. Using data collected during extensive ethnographic fieldwork, I will consider the relative importance of social and technical requirements in the field of clay processing techniques in the Faro area (northern Cameroon) 1 will show that environmental and techno‐functional constraints cannot explain technical variations, while cultural factors appear determinant. However, faking the discussion one step further, I will show the complexity of the social/cultural mechanism involved in the regional distribution of these techniques.

Ceramic Tradition in the African Forest: Characterisation Analysis of Ancient and Modern Pottery from Ituri, D.R. Congo

This paper aims to explain the major characteristics of pottery making in the Ituri rainforest during the last millennium ad by identifying and comparing technological aspects of archaeological and ethnographic assemblages with the primary goal of relating some present features of ceramic production to those of the past. Such comparison has been undertaken by archaeometric characterisation: mineralogical phase analysis, structure identification, and processing behavior.This study points out that interaction between farmers and hunter–gatherers homogenised the technological repertoires throughout the diverse cultural settings of the N.E. Congo Basin. Recent ceramic assemblages share with ancient ones a consistent distribution and manufacture of pottery across a multiethnic setting in which pottery is used by ethnically diverse slash and burn farmers and bow/net hunter–gatherers. The degree of technological continuity inherent to these assemblages is measurable by empirical means, the results suggesting that ancient and modern traditions have shared, now as then, the five components that make the Ituri pottery tradition insofar as raw material extraction, preparation of clays, modelling, drying, and firing are concerned.

An approach to the dynamics of clay firing

Results of a detailed study on microtextural and microchemical characteristics of pottery obtained during different experimental firing runs carried out at different temperature under oxidising conditions are reported. During firing, the reaction behaviour of temper grains and clay matrix is dominated by disequilibrium conditions and characterised by the presence of different reacting sub-systems. Each one of them is compositionally well established and corresponds to different mineral phases in mutual contact. Reactions occur following the two main mechanisms: (i) reactions leading to nucleation and growth of new mineral phases (modal reactions) and (ii) reactions producing only compositional variations of phases (cryptic reactions). Modal reactions are given by new phases rimming the temper grains, whereas the cryptic reactions may develop during the partial transformation of a single phase, producing compositional zonings. Kinetic aspects are also considered in order to asses the role exerted by temperature, by bulk and mineral compositions and by fluid phase on the attainment of modal or cryptic reactions during firing.

Historic Inuit pottery in the eastern Canadian Arctic

ABSTRACTPreviously unpublished information from John Ross's expedition of 1829–33 to the Canadian Arctic indicates that Netsilik Inuit at that time manufactured and used clay-based ceramic pots. Additional published ethnohistoric and ethnographic sources indicate that the Sadlermiut Inuit, and probably the Utkuhikjalik and Qaernerimiut Inuit, also possessed ceramic technology. Considered in conjunction with survival characteristics of pottery, this suggests that the Thule ceramic complex was not restricted to early stages of Thule culture (AD 1000–1200) in the Eastern Arctic, but, at least in some areas, continued through to the early Historic period.