AbstractThe mineralogy and micromorphology of ceramics from the Ikiztepe site (Chalcolithic and Early Bronze) have firing characteristics that indicate low temperature levels and oxidizing conditions. Stress phenomena indicated by cracks most probably indicate a process of shrinkage. Illuviated clay suggests the occurrence of humid periods with vigorous precipitation, pluvials during the Holocene. Provenance of clays used for production of ceramics is determined to be of nearby surface soils.