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Pottery (BC) |
1 Helmholtz-Institut für Strahlen- und Kernphysik, University of Bonn, Nussallee 14-16, 53115 Bonn, Germany mommsen{at}hiskp.uni-bonn.de
2 Department of Classics and Archaeology, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq MSD 06, Malta
3 The UCLA/Getty Archaeological and Ethnographic Conservation Program, A410 Fowler, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1510, USA
4 Academic Division, MATSEC Support Unit, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida MSD 06, Malta
5 School of Fine Arts, Classical Studies and Archaeology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia
6 Equip de Recerca Arqueomètrica de la Universitat de Barcelona, Departament de Prehistòria, Història Antiga i Arqueologia, C/de Baldiri Reixac, s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
7 Laboratory of Archaeometry, Institute of Materials Science, NCSR Demokritos, Aghia Paraskevi, 15310 Attiki, Greece
A set of 41 samples from Tas-Silg, Malta, has been analysed by neutron activation. It contained nine ware groups formed by visual examination covering the Late Neolithic, Bronze Age and Punic Periods (c. 3000-218 BC). Despite this diversity and long time range, seven of these ware groups, including the ‘Thermi Ware’, all have a similar chemical composition and, therefore, have been made from the same clay. This points most probably to a local origin. One group from the Punic Period, containing only Bricky Red cooking ware, is chemically separate and represents a second distinct pattern probably assignable to a local production. Five amphora sherds also from the Punic Period, and consisting of a micaceous fabric, all have different chemical characteristics and are probably imports from overseas production sites of unknown location.
