A multi-analytical archaeometric investigation into the production and provenance of early iron age ceramics in Trabzon, northeastern Türkiye
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, cilt.75, 2026 (AHCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 75
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2026.106011
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Arts and Humanities Citation Index (AHCI), Scopus, Index Islamicus
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Archaeometric analyses, Early Iron Age, Firing temperature, Potsherds, Provenance, Trabzon
- Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This preliminary multi-analytical investigation examines a selection of Early Iron Age pottery sherds from the Trabzon province in northeastern Türkiye to evaluate production technology and regional provenance. Samples were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy (OM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results indicate that quartz is the dominant mineral phase, accompanied by feldspars (plagioclase/albite, orthoclase, and microcline), mica and mica-like minerals (muscovite and illite), and iron oxides. The geochemical and mineralogical profiles suggest a potential correlation with local soil samples, pointing towards local production consistent with the regional geology. Integrated analyses reveal two distinct technological trends: a felsic group (KALC1–4) containing granitic inclusions derived from in-situ bedrock weathering, and a mafic group (KONC5–6) reflecting a recipe of volcanic inclusions and the deliberate addition of grog temper (crushed pottery). Firing temperatures are estimated between 600 and 900°C, based on the dehydroxylation of kaolinite, the preservation of micaceous minerals, and the absence of vitrification or high-temperature phases (e.g., mullite or sanidine). The coexistence of hematite and magnetite suggests variable firing atmospheres and limited control over kiln conditions within these ceramic samples.