Mesopotamian ceramics of the third millenium BC : with analysis of pottery from Abu Salabikh, Kish and Ur

Abstract

This study of third millennium ceramics from southern Iraq introduces the use of petrographic analyses for characterisation and for the examination of changes in Early Dynastic pottery production. Analyses also indicate limited pottery distribution at both a regional level and over long distances. Neutron activation analyses provide corroborative evidence. Petrographic classification of fabrics facilitates the identification of regional differences among ceramics manufactured in an area of sedimentary geology. An evaluation of traditional chronologies is based upon a detailed typology of both form and fabric for the late Uruk and Early Dynastic pottery from Abu Salabikh. Local variations in pottery production are examined and compared with Kish and Ur. Technological variations are related to chronology, to settlement type and to urban and rural production. An illustrated catalogue of late fourth and third millennium ceramics is accompanied by a tabulated synthesis of vessel types and fabrics. The reference system enables field identifications to be related to the results of laboratory analysis. The use of pottery in third millennium Mesopotamian society is assessed using the evidence of glyptic art. (D75613/87)

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