Pottery Sherds Research Articles

Between the Byzantine and the Islamic worlds? Byzantine Polychrome White Ware

Byzantine Polychrome White Ware (PWW) is special among Byzantine glazed ceramics. It stands out by its sophisticated motifs and its uses, as architectural ceramics and icons, in addition to tableware. This study is based on about 30 sherds of PWW pottery coming from archaeological contexts dated back to the 10th and 11th c., in Greece (Hierissos and other sites in Chalkidiki) and Turkey (Saraçhane in Istanbul). It shows their Constantinopolitan origin, based on kiln material found in the Metro-Marmaray excavations in Istanbul. It also shows how Polychrome White Ware stands out from the traditional Byzantine technological know-how, with the use of lead-alkali glazes, sometimes opacified with tin, and of Co pigments. On the contrary, these features are widespread in Islamic productions of the same period.

μ-Raman spectroscopy as a useful tool for improving knowledge of ancient ceramic manufacturing technologies

In recent decades, μ-Raman spectroscopy has become a powerful technique for studying ceramics, with the advantage of performing fast, reproducible and reliable analyses that provide effective information on ceramic technology. In the present paper, the potential of μ-Raman spectroscopy was evaluated by comparing the results of spectroscopic analyses with a wide range of conventional compositional and mineralogical analyses. Particular fragments of pottery from the archaeological site of Pollena Trocchia (Campania, Italy), characterized by a variegated color zonation, a symptom of uncontrolled firing conditions, were subjected to in-depth analytical investigation. Data from the μ-Raman measurements were in very good agreement with the analytical set of conventional analyses and permitted to better constrain the firing temperatures, evaluate changes in the oxidative steps, and assert the provenance of volcanic raw materials. The results illuminated that pottery was crafted by mixing a low-CaO base clay with volcanic temper from the environs of Vesuvius and fired in a not well-controlled firing atmosphere, which determined the development of Fe(III) oxides at rims of sherds and Fe(II)-bearing phases at cores. Moreover, even in the absence of newly-formed minerals, firing temperatures were estimated between 900 and 950 °C, as suggested by the mineralogical and spectroscopic evidence of the prograde 10 Å dehydroxylated phyllosilicates.

Automatic analysis of pottery sherds based on structure from motion scanning: The case of the Phoenician carinated-shoulder amphorae from Tell el-Burak (Lebanon)

Over the last few years, significant interest has been addressed in developing computer-based methods to document and analyze fragments of ceramics sherds in archaeology. This is because traditional manual processes do not allow for an objective, repeatable, and reproducible analysis of the large quantities of material needed to fully understand and explain human practices in various cultural contexts, such as the economy, daily life, and the material expression of religious beliefs.In that context, this paper proposes a fully digital methodology resulting from the constitution of an international research group coming from different scientific backgrounds: archaeologists with specific skills and experience in fast 3D geometry acquisition methods and researchers who developed and published the only available computer-based process for recognizing the geometric and morphological sherds features analyzed by archaeologists. The proposed methodology consists of two main parts: 1. 3D acquisition of sherds with the construction of the discrete 3D manifold model based on the Structure for Motion technologies; 2. recognition, segmentation, and dimensional characterization of morphological and geometrical features based on the codification and algorithmic implementation of the knowledge used by the archeologists in the traditional method. The method was applied to analyze a set of 133 sherds excavated at Tell el-Burak (Lebanon) to obtain, through the analysis of the namely Phoenician carinated-shoulder amphorae, new insights into the economic organization of the Phoenician homeland. The method demonstrated the potential for objectively, repeatedly, and reproducibly analyzing large quantities of sherds. Furthermore, it allowed studying sherds by generating new high-level knowledge from those acquired from 3D models; in particular, this paper introduces new morphological features that help the archaeologist classify fragments from an analysis of the rim's shape.

Structural Analysis of Some Pottery Fragments Belonging to Hamangia (Phase III) Culture

Abstract The paper presents a structural analysis of two pottery fragments belonging to the Hamangia phase III Ceamurlia culture, discovered in a settlement with several living levels on the northern shore of Lake Techirghiol, at the Minerva – Paloda Hill. From two ceramic fragments, fired in a reducing atmosphere, samples were taken to perform X-ray diffraction (XRD) and wavelength‐dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectra (WDXRF) analyzes to determine the crystalline structure and composition of the ceramic materials. Digital optical microscopy was used to observe the details of the fracture surfaces of these ceramic fragments. This work contributes to the knowledge of the techniques and materials used by the Hamangia civilization in the manufacture of ceramic vessels.

PRELIMINARY CONSERVATION TREATMENT AND RECONSTRUCTION OF POTTERY ARTIFACTS EXCAVATED FROM TERRESTRIAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENTS, LEPTIS, LIBYA

This paper presents a preliminary conservation treatment of four pottery fragments excavated at Leptis, Libya manufactured in varied shapes, sizes, and colours. Studied objects were unearthed as sherds from two different conditions. Determination of the deterioration rates and caused factors of the pottery objects was significant to take the correct decision for conservation treatment. Results demonstrate that marine environment was more deteriorate than sandy soil. This work aims to characterize the chemical structure of pottery objects in the original environment using functional analyses. Mechanical cleaning was the first aid and safe step of conservation procedures. Desalination treatment was used for the long-term stabilization of the excavated pottery; then, internal stresses was decreased. Immersion in distilled water was efficient for decreasing water-soluble salts as halite. Insoluble water-salts were removed mechanically and chemically using dilute hydrochloric acid. Colour and thickness of the potsherds were the clues for the classification for assembling using a PVAc/CN mixture (1:1). Completely reconstruction of the excavated sherds was undertaken for understanding the occupation of the objects, then they were preserved in the storage. After desalination and assembling, painted iron stands were prepared for displaying the treated objects.

Unraveling Island Economies through Organic Residue Analysis: The Case of Mocha Island (Southern Chile)

Abstract Biophysical conditions played a fundamental role in early human colonization of insular territories, particularly in food-producing societies dealing with limited resources and the challenges of maintaining a sustainable carrying capacity. Studies on past human colonization of small oceanic islands thus offer insights into economic plasticity, ecological impacts, and adaptation of early food-producing groups. On the coast of southern Chile, early evidence is dated to 950 cal BP of island colonization by coastal populations with mainland subsistence systems based on the exploitation of marine resources, along with gathering, managing, and cultivating plants and hunting terrestrial animals. Strikingly, the extent to which these mixed economies contributed to insular colonization efforts is largely unknown. Here we used organic residue analysis of ceramic artifacts to shed light on the subsistence of populations on Mocha Island in southern Chile. We extracted and analyzed lipids from 51 pottery sherds associated with the El Vergel cultural complex that flourished in southern Chile between 950 and 400 cal BP. Chemical and stable isotope analysis of the extracts identified a range of food products, including C3 and C4 plants and marine organisms. The results reveal the central role of mixed subsistence systems in fueling the colonization of Mocha Island.

Elements of Bantenese, Javanese And Balinese Art Carved on Lawangkori Gedongwani in East Lampung, Indonesia

This research aims to reveal the Lawang Kori Gedongwani carving art in East Lampung, one of the areas in South Sumatra which since the early 17th century was the territory of the Banten Sultanate. Based on its current appearance, Lawang Kori is carved in the typical Bantenese art style that dominantly decorates pottery shards and tombstones at Banten Lama urban site. However, in certain details Lawang Kori also showed the influence of art from other regions in Java and Bali. To determine the existence of these artistic elements, research will focus on the forms and types of ornaments that were manifested in the Lawang Kori carvings, both in whole and in part. Therefore, direct observations were carried out in Gedongwani Village, Mergo Tigo District, East Lampung Regency, where Lawangkori was found. Identification of shapes and decorations produces very diverse decorative patterns. By focusing on the analysis on structure, construction and decorative elements in the form of geometric, floral and figurative motifs, Lawang Kori presented the characteristics strongly influenced by the decorative arts of Banten, East Java and Bali. Islamic art itself was the result of modifications from the Hindu-Buddhist period. Referring to historical sources and oral traditions, the Lawang Kori gate was probably made in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The growth of port cities under the rule of the Javanese-Islamic polity stimulated the development of decorative arts in their area of influence. Islamic works of art themselves were the result of modifications from the Hindu-Buddhist period. In this case, Banten was an agent for the spread of Islamic art in the Lampung region, from its golden age to its decline in the early 19th century.

Abstract 1539 Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Studies of Pottery Sherds from Guatemala

Abstract 1539 Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Studies of Pottery Sherds from Guatemala

Investigating the Middle Iron Age ceramics of Van Fortress through multi-analytical techniques

This work presents the characterization results of Middle Iron Age pottery fragments excavated in Van Fortress, the historical capital of the Urartu Kingdom, located on the eastern coast of Lake Van in Turkey. A multi-analytical approach combining optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) has been employed to investigate the mineralogical composition of ceramics. Micro-Raman spectrometer was also used for the characterization of the pigments used for decoration. The data collected from the analyses offered information on the minerals that were discovered in the ceramics, as well as the temperature at which the ceramics were fired and the atmosphere that they were exposed to. The existence of hematite suggests that they were subjected to firing in an oxidizing environment, with the exception of one sample, which has a sandwich shape characterized by a red-edge and a black center, indicating exposure to both reducing and oxidative atmospheres during the fire process. The ceramics utilized in this investigation are hypothesized to have been crafted from elemental substances procured from two to three distinct clay origins.

Dietary Practices of the Gauja Livs: Lipid Residue Analyses of the Turaida Hillfort and Pūteļi Cemetery Pottery Material

This study reports the first comprehensive data on the dietary aspects of Gauja Livs in the 11th–12th century CE. This region is presently lacking in bioarchaeological material (human bones and ancient plant remains), which is typically used for decoding the ancient diet. To tackle this problem pottery fragments from Turaida hillfort and Pūteļi cemetery were studied using Lipid Residue Analysis. Samples included both pottery clay matrix and burnt foodcrusts. The main goal of the study was to obtain direct information on the food substances consumed by the Gauja Livs, based on the pottery material from Turaida hillfort and from the local cemetery to reassess existing assumptions about their dietary practices both in mundane and ritual contexts. The lipid residue results revealed the main food groups consumed by the community contained terrestrial animal and aquatic products, but also provided insights into a potential mixing of different foodstuffs. Some of the expected foodstuffs were not found in or on the analysed pottery, leaving the possibility for a hypothetical use of cooking practices that might have excluded ceramic vessels. This research also gives preliminary indications of gender-based dietary patterns if assessed in context with other studies from the eastern Baltic Sea region in the pre-medieval and early medieval period.

Correlation study on firing temperature and color of plain pottery excavated from the Tang Dynasty tomb of Liu Jing in Shaanxi, China

Plain pottery excavated from the Tang Dynasty tomb of Liu Jing was taken as the research object. The color, chemical composition, microstructure, and phase were tested to investigate the influencing factors of color for plain pottery fragments. The results indicated that the contents of Fe2O3 and TiO2 in all fragments varied little, and the influence of humic acids in clay as well as the firing atmosphere on the appearance color of plain pottery was excluded. Therefore, the main factor affecting color saturation (C*) was identified as the firing temperature (T). More importantly, the correlation between C* and firing temperature was established by replicas fired at different temperatures. Before the appearance of the glass phase, iron-containing minerals played a major role in coloring, and after that, iron ions in the glass phase and iron crystallization rose the important function of coloring. Consequently, with the increase of firing temperature, C* value increased firstly and then decreased. The inflection point of the fitted C* − T curve corresponded to the glass phase formation temperature. By comparing the estimated firing temperatures obtained by the fitted C* − T correlation curve with the known firing temperature of replicas, it was demonstrated that the color measurement is an ideal method for deducing the firing temperatures of ancient plain pottery.

A multi‐analytical approach applied to pottery from Oman as a key to understanding ancient Indian Ocean maritime trade

AbstractThe populations in Sumhuram (third/second century bce to fifth century ce) and Hamr al‐Sharqiya 1 (HAS1) (first millennium bce to first/second century ce) were involved in one of the most important examples of large‐scale trade systems in antiquity: the maritime network connecting the coasts of the Indian Ocean. This research focuses on a total of 35 southwestern Arabian and Indian pottery sherds from both the settlements of Sumhuram and Hamr al‐Sharqiya 1, analysed through a multi‐analytical complementary approach. This study intends to test the input potential of this type of approach applied to ceramics in the context of the Indian Ocean trade network. The techniques adopted are powder X‐ray diffraction, optical microscopy, inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The results obtained allow the identification of eight distinct groups, each characterized by unique (textural, mineralogical, geochemical) signatures, providing specific clues for determining their provenance, specifically from the Indian subcontinent and southwestern Arabia. This paper shows the importance of this type of archaeometric study that must be integrated into a transdisciplinary approach.

The Monumental Kurgans in Bronze Age in River Kura Basin

The article contains with the archaeological excavations of the Deller Jayir kurgans at 322.700 km of the SCPX (South Caucasus Pipeline Expansion Project) pipeline corridor. These kurgans are located in the territory of Deller Jayir village of Shamkir district of Azerbaijan Republic. About 10 kurgans were recorded in the kurgan field located on a relatively high hill on the right bank of the river, about 100-150 m away from the Jayir River, only 2 of them fell into the pipeline corridor, excavated and explored.
 The surface of the Deller Jayir kurgans consists of stone formations with a clearly visible circular shape and a relatively concave center. They are located close to each other at a distance of 5-6 m. Preliminary analysis of the structures and burial rites in the Deller Jayir kurgans and the forms of the few pottery fragments found in these kurgans show that these kurgans date the transition stage from Middle Bronze Age to the Late Bronze Age, to be precisely, to the 15th-14th centuries BC.

Silver Coins of Queen Rusudan from Samshvilde

On July 24, 2019, a pit burial was discovered near the ruins of Samshvilde Sioni Cathedral on the territory of the former settlement of Samshvilde (Kvemo Kartli region, South Georgia). Even though it was damaged by the occupation of the later periods, the artifacts uncovered there have helped determine the burial's chronology and cultural context. Along with dis-articulated human remains, a completely corroded iron ring, pottery fragments, ten well-preserved silver coins were discovered in the grave. The present article is the first publication dedicated to this discovery. It provides information about preliminary results and brings the new numismatic finds into scientific circulation as new data for an understanding of the history of Samshvilde and medieval Georgia in general.1

The corrosion mechanism of lead-glazed pottery in Han dynasty

Ancient pottery, having endured prolonged burial in soil, invariably underwent the process of glaze corrosion. The micromorphology and structural composition of four lead-glazed pottery fragments dating back to the Han Dynasty, excavated in the Qinhan New Town within Xixian New area of Xi’an are elucidated by comprehensive analysis method. The results reveal that the corrosion products predominantly comprised PbCO3, Pb3(PO4)2, CaCO3, and Ca3(PO4)2. Concurrently, the presence of organic substances exhibiting characteristic self-excitation fluorescence in the cracks of the sample is identified through fluorescence microscopy and Fourier infrared spectroscopy. Through a comparative analysis of well-preserved and severely corroded samples, taking into account compositional analysis, observations of corrosion morphology, and the characteristics of corrosion products, it is deduced that the primary corrosion mechanisms involve chemical corrosion, microbial corrosion, and crack corrosion. This study provides a comprehensive depiction of glaze corrosion process inherent to lead-glazed pottery and establishes corresponding corrosion models.

Thermal, Morphological, and mineralogical characterization of ancient potsherds: Insights from activation energy and degradation profiles

The six representative potsherds sourced from the excavated Buddhist site of Udayagiri, Odisha, in eastern India, were studied using analytical characterization techniques of X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), thermogravimetry (TG-DTG), and a porosity study. The analysis has unveiled the clay composition, firing temperatures, and environment along with internal morphology of these potsherds after firing process. The thermal behavior of the pottery samples was meticulously examined and degradation profiles depicted through TG-DTG curve. The activation energy of potsherds was calculated using the Horowitz and Metzger equation, shedding light on the various stages of degradation. Notably, the calculated activation energies for the first stage of degradation ranged from 5.78 to 16.64 kJ/Mole, while for the 2nd/3rd stage degradation, the range was between 2.59 KJ/Mole to 8.38 KJ/Mole, underlining the intricate firing processes involved. This research has successfully estimated firing temperatures across different environmental conditions, spanning from 450 to 900 °C. The pottery fragments were categorized into two distinct varieties following a comprehensive analysis of firing temperature, inclusions, morphological characteristics, firing conditions, and degradation profiles. The multifaceted approach employed in this study has contributed significantly to our understanding of these potsherds' composition and their firing profile.

Manufacturing technique analysis of Early Harappan painted pottery from the Jhang Bahatar Site, Pakistan, by using a multi-analytical approach

Only a limited number of scientific or technological studies regarding Harappan pottery have been conducted so far. To address the knowledge gap, this study investigates the raw materials and manufacturing techniques evidenced in the painted pottery sherds excavated from the Jhang Bahatar site, Pakistan of the late period of early Harappan culture (also identified as the Kot Diji period 2800-2600BC). This study employs a variety of integrated analytical methods including production process observation, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The investigation revealed that the raw materials in the pastes used to manufacture these painted potteries are common fusible clay characterized by minimal levels of silicon oxide and alumina and elevated levels of flux oxide. The pottery was decorated with an initial basecoat of ochre consisting of hematite (Fe2O3), mixed with pottery paste clay, while the main mineral material of black pigment was magnetite (Fe3O4) and the white pigment was created using dolomite (CaMg (CO3)2).

An Early Neolithic house in the Foothills: A case study of pottery and lithic artefacts from the Biskupice site 18 (Wieliczka Foothills, southern Poland)

The paper presents a comprehensive analysis of pottery and lithic materials found in archaeological features associated with an Early Neolithic house from Biskupice (southern Poland) to shed light on exchange networks of the first farmers in Central Europe. The research began with the discovery of a unique fragment of a face vessel made in the Želiezovce style, a motif primarily found in Moravia and north-eastern Austria. Therefore, specialised analyses were undertaken to determine whether the Biskupice fragment was locally produced or originated from areas south of the Sudetes and Carpathians. The study involved an examination of raw clay material and the technology used to create the anthropomorphic vessel, aiming to establish its provenance (local production versus import). Petrographic methods were employed to analyse a diverse group of vessel types for comparison. Additionally, a selected group of pottery fragments, including the face vessel, underwent lipid residue analysis to determine their potential use. The combination of microscopic examinations and lipid residues analysis was utilised to study the link between the physical properties and function of the vessels. Finally, the archaeological context of other artifacts from the same house, including lithic assemblages, was investigated to determine the presence of both local and imported raw materials in Biskupice. The main conclusion of the study indicates local production of pottery, including the face vessel, and lithic implements. Conversely, a Transcarpathian transfer of some technological and decorative ideas, as well as imports of raw material such as obsidian, were confirmed.

The Ethnoarchaeology of Restaurants in Southern Vietnam: Fish Stew Culinary Practices and Organic Residues in Earthenware Cooking Pots

ABSTRACT Ethnoarchaeological studies of food and culinary practices are typically conducted in communities and households that still practice traditional ways of food preparation and consumption. This article presents ethnoarchaeological research in small, contemporary restaurants in Vietnam that serve cá kho tộ, a braised caramelized fish stew prepared in earthenware cooking pots. Comparative reference samples of pottery were collected from the restaurants for organic residue analysis, and the results were compared with residue analysis of pottery sherds recovered from archaeological sites in Southern Vietnam. The results contribute novel insights to both ancient and present-day culinary practices in the region and to the study of open earthenware pots and pottery sherds with interior surface charred residues.

Tracing the pyro-technological evidence during the 3rd millennium bc in “Shahdad” through archaeometallurgical remains

Shahdad is located on the western side of the great “Lut” desert in the south-central Iranian Plateau. Shahdad has been a major focus of archaeological research in the region due to extensive metallurgical activities, which were documented at the site and supposedly have the most abundant remains of copper metallurgy in southeastern Iran during the Bronze Age (3rd millennium BC). Due to the archaeological studies of the vast peripheral area, the settlement was a permanently occupied city during the 3rd millennium BC. New excavations at Shahdad offer a unique opportunity to reconsider the pyro-technological remains which were probably related to metallurgical practices during this era. This research will focus on the characterization of typical Shahdad pottery styles and remains of metallurgical slags scattered across the area in association with amounts of other metallurgical remains such as copper ores, moulds, crucibles, furnaces and metallic residues. The typical characteristic style of pottery are their dense structure heavy with rough fabrication. The objects have been studied through optical microscopy, ICP-MS, and XRF to determine their chemistry, micro-chemistry, and mineralogy. The evident complexity of pottery production at Shahdad may eventually allow a better understanding of the timing of innovations and/or the adaptation of technological features observed in the overburden of Shahdad that as yet have not been scientifically documented. The scientific examination of slags and pottery sherds presented here recognizes new information regarding the microchemistry and production techniques of pottery and their possible potential application for metallurgical purposes.