Investigating Ceramic Technology During Archaeological Field Seasons
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INVESTIGATING CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY DURING ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD SEASONS Robert C. Henrickson National Museum of Natural History (Anthropology), Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560
ABSTRACT Investigation of many aspects of ancient ceramic production technologies is feasible during an archaeological field season, and requires little equipment. Descriptive variables such as color, inclusions (>temper=), variable textures within the paste, surface finish, hardness, and decorative techniques and style provide technological as well as stylistic or typological data. Residual surface traces, the surfaces of breaks themselves, and their overall patterning relative to both the vessel shape and size provide forming and finishing data. Subsequent laboratory analysis of samples complements the field data.
KEEP IT SIMPLE Every ceramic industry (>industry= in the sense of integrated production processes) has a distinctive history and technological heritage which shape its ongoing development. Assemblages produced within a household, by part-time specialists, or by professionals in workshops of various scales each present significantly different challenges to study due to their varied technologies. General preparation is possible [3,4], but ultimately there is no substitute for handling large quantities of sherds. Hands-on familiarity with individual assemblages remains the essential foundation. Although all sherds can provide some information B how much may depend in part on the research design and goals B only a limited number are more informative. Learning to recognize and interpret them is crucial. Individual attributes should be recorded as independent variables, to facilitate later investigation of potential interrelationships among them. Careful and explicit definitions of all terms is essential. During fieldwork, it is important to characterize the assemblage as a whole, to provide a context for more detailed study of selected material there or back in the lab. Samples returned to the lab for detailed analysis must be chosen to yield useful complementary data, to further understanding of the industry as a whole. Significant insights into ancient ceramic production are achievable during an archaeological field season, using minimal equipment. Strong raking light and the trained naked eye are the two most crucial components. A pair of pliers, a low-magnification hand lens, and a Munsell color chart [1] are sufficient tools. Strong raking (sun)light highlights residual traces on surfaces and textures within the fabric. Using pliers to break off a corner off sherds presents a clean look at the inclusions, textures, and colors. A hand lens permits closer examination of inclusions, texture, and other detail. Use of a color chart means standardized and replicable recording of color (avoiding questions such as Awhat is buff?@ B it is clearly defined). Three attributes commonly used in basic description of archaeological pottery B color, inclusions, and hardness B may also provide technological information on mater
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