Microscopic Analysis of Pottery Fragments from the Corded Ware Culture at Sites 11, 15 and 20 in Święte, Jarosław District

Abstract

For microscopic examination, 22 pottery fragments from sites 11, 15 and 20 in Święte, Jarosław District were selected. The pottery types included beakers (N=19) and amphorae (N=3). The goal of the petrographic analysis was to identify mineralogical composition of ceramic fabric, sources of raw materials, and intentional additives to the clay. The analysis yielded data that helped determine ceramic fabrics types and preparation methods, as well as pottery firing con-ditions and approximate firing temperature. In all samples analysed, ceramic fabrics were prepared in a similar way, using heavy clay poor in muscovite, with grog deliberately added. Crystalline material present in some of the samples is most likely a natural component of raw materials used in the production process. No sand is added to the clay. No other method for preparing pastes was identified for the amphorae type. Previous observations on amphorae firing are confirmed: amphorae are fired in oxidizing conditions. The ceramic fabrics of two vessels have a deliberate admixture of bones in addition to grog and argillaceous rock intraclasts. Vessels decorated with cord impressions and vessels with herringbone or other incised patterns are more often made from paste type A (inclusion and grog) and paste type B (grog), respectively.