Scientific analysis of Neolithic period ceramics from Fars, Iran
This thesis forms the first application of scientific analysis (thin section petrography, electron microprobe and scanning electron microscopy) to Neolithic ceramics from Fars province, Iran. The research specifically addresses the questions surrounding the choice of raw materials, production techniques and the use and consumption of ceramic vessels at these village sites. I have sought to attempt a deeper understanding of the past socio-economic context of ceramic production and consumption, as well as draw comparisons with wider ceramic technologies in the surrounding regions of Iran, Mesopotamia, Anatolia and Central Asia. Analysis and interpretation of decorated ceramics from Neolithic Southwest Iran has traditionally focused on decorative designs, where coloured pigments have clearly played an influential role. However, very little was specifically known about the raw materials, manufacture, and production stages of these wares. The samples selected for analysis include newly excavated and previously unpublished ceramics that have been incorporated into an updated typology. This is then used to provide detailed characterisation of the materials and techniques employed by past potters to create the wares.
Meakes, Alison A.
CC Archaeology ; DS Asia
Scientific analysis of Neolithic period ceramics from Fars, Iran. This thesis forms the first application of scientific analysis (thin section petrography, electron microprobe and scanning electron microscopy) to Neolithic ceramics from Fars province, Iran. The research specifically addresses the questions surrounding the choice of raw materials, production techniques and the use and consumption of ceramic vessels at these village sites. I have sought to attempt a deeper understanding of the past socio-economic context of ceramic production and consumption, as well as draw comparisons with wider ceramic technologies in the surrounding regions of Iran, Mesopotamia, Anatolia and Central Asia. Analysis and interpretation of decorated ceramics from Neolithic Southwest Iran has traditionally focused on decorative designs, where coloured pigments have clearly played an influential role. However, very little was specifically known about the raw materials, manufacture, and production stages of these wares. The samples selected for analysis include newly excavated and previously unpublished ceramics that have been incorporated into an updated typology. This is then used to provide detailed characterisation of the materials and techniques employed by past potters to create the wares.
scientific_analysis neolithic_period ceramic iran form first application scientific_analysis thin_section_petrography electron microprobe scan_electron_microscopy neolithic_ceramic province iran specifically_address question_surround choice raw_material production_technique use consumption ceramic_vessel village site seek attempt deeper past socio_economic context ceramic_production consumption well draw comparison wider ceramic_technology surround_region iran mesopotamia anatolia central_asia analysis_interpretation decorate ceramic neolithic southwest iran traditionally_focus decorative design colour pigment clearly play influential role however_little specifically know raw_material manufacture production stage ware sample select analysis include newly_excavate previously_unpublished ceramic incorporate typology use provide_detailed characterisation material_technique employ past potter create ware