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The Reconstructiton of Ancient Ceramic Technology Through the Comparative Analysis of Ancient and Contemporary Potters′ Materials: A Case Study from the Central Tiber Valley of Italy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

J. Theodore Peña
J. Theodore Peña*
Affiliation:
Program in Mediterranean Archaeology Departments of Anthropology and Classics The University at Albany, State University of New York Albany, N.Y. 12222
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Abstract

This paper presents the results of a program of mineralogical analysis aimed at the elucidation of raw material acquisition and paste preparation practices among Roman-period potters in the Orte/Vasanello area of the central Tiber Valley of Italy. A study of modern folk potters at Vasanello revealed a complex pattern of clay utilization. A selection of local clays, pottery produced by Vasanello potters, and ceramics from two Roman ceramic production sites was subjected to mineralogical analysis (x-ray diffraction, petrographic) for purposes of comparison. The results indicate that similar clay sources were exploited by potters in both periods, and that the materials obtained from these were likely employed for similar functional varieties of pottery.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 185: Symposium G – Materials Issues in Art and Archaeology II , 1990 , 511
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1990

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References

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