A multi-analytical archaeometric investigation into the production and provenance of early iron age ceramics in Trabzon, northeastern Türkiye

Çalışkan Akgül H., Kılıç S., Gökırmak Söğüt E., Yılmaz E., Demirel S., Çalışkan Kılıç N.

JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE: REPORTS, cilt.75, ss.1-24, 2026 (AHCI)

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 spectros-copy (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 dehy-droxylation 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.