Production of Late Bronze-Early Iron Age handmade pottery from Central Epirus (Prefecture of Ioannina), Greece

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 21 (2018) 629–642

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Production of Late Bronze-Early Iron Age handmade pottery from Central Epirus (Prefecture of Ioannina), Greece ⁎

Paraskevi Yiouni , Eleni Vasileiou

T

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Ephorate of Antiquities of Ioannina, Plateia 25th March 6, 452 21, Ioannina, Greece

A B S T R A C T

The present work represents the first archaeometric study of pottery from central Epirus (Prefecture of Ioannina). It is combining the macroscopic examination of a large ceramic body, and the petrographic analysis of 104 samples from Late Bronze Age-Early Iron Age handmade pottery from Liatovouni in the Konitsa region, and Krya in the Ioannina Basin. For comparative reasons, 27 samples from a number of sites in the Ioannina Basin were also examined microscopically. The study provides new information regarding the potential provenance and technology of manufacture of ceramic vessels in the study region. Although local preferences in pottery recipes and their correlation to specific wares are apparent, ceramic production in the region is characterized by a shared knowledge of materials, processes and techniques, pointing to contacts not only with neighboring sites, but with areas further afield.

1. Introduction The Prefecture of Ioannina occupies the central part of Epirus in northwestern Greece (Fig. 1). It is a mountainous region with narrow valleys, such as the Gormos, Konitsa and Kalpaki. The Ioannina Basin in the south-west of the region is an extended karstic plateau, with Lake Pamvotis at its centre. 1.1. Archaeological background The archaeological record for the Bronze Age in the region is meagre and it is only by Late Helladic IIIA–C that more information is available, thanks to the excavation of a number of small sites. These include Krya (Zachos, 1997; Vasileiou, 2011), Kastritsa (Dakaris, 1951, 1952), Episkopi (Pliakou and Vasileiou, 2008; Zachos and Vasileiou, 2010; Vasileiou, 2016a), Rodotopi (Dakaris, 1956), Kastro Ioanninon (Pliakou, 2011: 101) and Palabouti (Katsadima and Vasileiou, 2018), all of which are located within the Ioannina Basin. Other settlements and cemeteries include Liatovouni in the valley of Konitsa (Douzougli, 1996; Douzougli and Papadopoulos, 2011), along with Vitsa Zagoriou (Vokotopoulou, 1986), Meropi, Kato Meropi and Palaiopirgos in the Gormos valley (Andreou and Kleitsas, 2018). In addition, Late Bronze Age occupation levels were also identified at Dodona (Wardle, 1977: 176–187; Vasileiou, 2016b). The transition from the Late Bronze to Early Iron Age appears to have been very gradual, without any obvious changes in settlement patterns or material culture, apart from the limited introduction of new metal objects. Apart from the rather small quantities of wheel made Mycenaean

⁎

style pottery imported into Epirus from various locations (Dakaris, 1967; Wardle, 1977: 177; Soueref, 2001: 82–87; Tartaron and Zachos, 1999: 62–63; Yiouni and Vasileiou, 2017), the ceramic repertoire of the region is dominated by handmade vessels (Vasileiou, 2015, Fig. 2-3). These include undecorated monochrome types and those with plastic decoration, both of which occur in a variety of forms including storage vessels, hole-mouthed jars, jars, bowls, basins, cups and cooking pots. They range in surface colour from dark grey to red and their fabric is coarse to medium textured. In addition, there is a numerically small group of pots with brownish black burnished surfaces, which are represented by small or medium sized open vessels including bowls, cups and kantharoi. Matt-painted and orange-red vessels are late additions to the ceramic repertoire, appearing towards the end of the 11th century B.C. Matt-painted I is represented by very small numbers of sherds found mainly in the Ioannina Basin. Fine textured, they usually consist of small open vessels (bowls, kantharoi) with very well smoothed, burnished or slipped surfaces which are decorated with linear motifs. Fine textured orange-red I vessels are present in greater numbers and most commonly consist of thin walled amphorae, bowls and kylikes. Matt-painted II vessels were made using fine and coarse textured pastes. Orange-red II wares appear in a variety of forms such as hole-mouthed jars, jugs, amphorae, bowls and cups, with their paste often containing coarser inclusions. In contrast to their limited presence in domestic contexts, painted and fine monochrome vessels are better represented in burials.

Corresponding authors. E-mail addresses: [email protected] (P. Yiouni), [email protected] (E. Vasileiou).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2018.08.009 Received 14 February 2018; Received in revised form 28 June 2018; Accepted 8 August 2018 2352-409X/ © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 21 (2018) 629–642

P. Yiouni, E. Vasileiou

Fig. 1. Late Bronze Age-Early Iron Age sites in central Epirus.

outcrops of the Late Jurassic to Early Senonian Vigla formation (thin bedded pelagic limestones with abundant flint layers and nodules), along with extended outcrops of Late Senonian and Paleocene-Eocene formations (characterized by intercalations of brecciated, micro-brecciated and micritic limestones, along with rare cherty intercalations). Pliocene lacustrine sandy marls with microfossils occur along the southern perimeter of Lake Pamvotis. Quaternary deposits cover the greatest part of the plain and consist of terra rossa (in the west), cherty Pleistocene sediments and scree and talus cones with siliceous elements, along with recent lacustrine and alluvial deposits. Cherty Pleistocene sediments were deposited on the foothills of Mount Mitsikeli, where the sites of Krya and Rodotopi are located. The same

1.2. Geological background The prefecture of Ioannina belongs principally to the Ionian geotectonic zone, whereas its eastern and northeastern margins belong to the Pindos and Sub-Pelagonian zones (Higgins and Higgins, 1996). The mountains of the Ioannina Basin are composed of limestone formations of the Ionian zone, of variable texture and geological age (Perrier et al., 1967; Karakitsos, 2005; Papadopoulou-Vrynioti et al., 2014). The eastern part of the basin is dominated by flysch sediments of the Ionian and Pindos zones, characterized by alternating fine to coarse graded sandstones, siltstones, clays and silty marls (Fig. 4). The site of Krya is located on the foothills of Mount Mitsikeli, which consists of small

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Fig. 2. Samples of pottery categories. a-b) Monochrome with plastic decoration, Monochrome, c) Matt painted, d) Orange-red. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the web version of this article.)

Fig. 3. Repertory of shapes. a) Hole mouthed jar, b) Two handled bowl, c) Kantharos, d) Kylix, e) Bowl.

north and west of Konitsa, flysch formations of the Pindos zone are thrusted over the Ionian zone. The recent geological formations are represented by the fluvial terraces of the Aoos and Voidomatis rivers, as well as scree and talus cones of varied lithology and cohesion. The fluvial terraces are made up of polymict clasts consisting of limestone, ophiolitic and sandstone cobbles (Galanakis et al., 2007).

deposits are also present to the west of Kastro Ioanninon, as well as in the southern part of the plain near Episkopi. The site of Liatovouni is located 50 km north of Krya. It occupies a Pleistocene fluvial terrace at the confluence of the Aoos and Voidomatis rivers, to the east of the city of Konitsa. The broader area of Liatovouni consists mainly of the sedimentary series of the Ionian zone (Vigla, Late Senonian and Paleocene-Eocene formations, followed by the flysch series) (Mavridis and Mavrakos, 1987; Koukouzas et al., 1973). To the 632

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Fig. 4. Simplified geological map of central Epirus (based on Papadopoulou-Vrynioti et al., 2014; Mavridis and Mavrakos, 1987; Koukouzas et al., 1973).

The aim of the present work is twofold. To study and formulate a compositional characterization for pottery fabrics of diagnostic ceramics from the settlements of Liatovouni and Krya. Secondly, to discuss their provenance and technological characteristics related to clay selection and processing, as well as the conditions in which the vessels were fired. Limited petrographic sampling of ceramics from a number of sites in the Ioannina Basin provides comparative data for considering pottery production within its wider context. The homogeneous geological background of Epirus, the lack of archaeological information regarding pottery manufacturing installations and the absence of previous petrographic studies, meant that the investigation of the provenance of raw materials was of an exploratory character. Nevertheless, the

1.3. Research aims The study reported here represents the first archaeometric analysis of prehistoric pottery from Epirus. It combines macroscopic examination and thin section petrography and discusses the provenance and technology of the handmade ceramics from sites located in the Ioannina prefecture. Up until now, pottery technology has been studied through macroscopic examination of fabrics (Dakaris, 1951, 1952; Wardle, 1972: 204–220; Vokotopoulou, 1986: 250–253; Soueref, 2001: 79–91; Tartaron, 2004: 71–93). Thus, only very general inferences can be drawn, with pottery assemblages usually considered as homogeneous cultural markers for the region of Epirus as a whole. 633

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Table 1 Total of Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age ceramic sherds from Liatovouni and Krya examined macroscopically and total of ceramic samples analysed through ceramic petrography. Total of ceramics

Monochrome with plastic decoration

Monochrome

Orange-red I

Orange-red II

Matt-painted I

Matt-painted II

Total

631 18 632 9

1624 22 102 7

870 10 4503 10

1486 3 13,029 7

175 3 21 1

379 8 170 6

5165 64 18,457 40

Petrographic sample Krya Liatovouni

3.1. Liatovouni

existence of a large body of evidence obtained through the macroscopic study of ceramic material, offered a secure basis for the interpretation of the results of the petrographic analysis.

Under macroscopic examination the ceramic material from Liatovouni was grouped within two fabric types. Fine sand: Fine clay which fired reddish yellow to yellowish red (Table 3). Examples with a grey core are present. Few to common fine siliceous inclusions, along with a few black grains (opaque minerals). Medium/coarse sedimentary: Medium/coarse clay which fired reddish yellow, yellowish brown to greyish brown (Table 3). Examples with a grey core are present. Common poorly sorted rounded, brown, red and grey/black grains (mudstone/siltstone fragments), along with very rare sub-angular siliceous grains and textural concentration features (tcf: concentrations of clay-based material, mainly clay pellets). The microscopic study of the 40 samples from Liatovouni revealed that the fabrics initially identified macroscopically are very similar to one another. They were therefore incorporated within a single fine and medium/coarse fabric group (LFG1a-b), (Fig. 5a–b, c–e). In addition, another fabric group (LFG2) was identified during the microscopic examination, characterized by the presence of grog fragments and tcf (Fig. 5f).

2. Materials and methods Liatovouni and Krya are the best documented of the excavated sites, with secure stratigraphic sequences. At Krya, two successive occupation layers have been identified; with Krya I and II spanning the 12th to 8th centuries B.C. Liatovouni I and II are dated to the 11th and 10th centuries B.C. respectively, while Liatovouni III covers the period from the 9th to 4th centuries B.C. Both settlements have produced large ceramic assemblages, characterized by a similar range of wares (Table 1). A hand specimen analysis of the material was carried out by eye and a ten times magnification hand lens. Macroscopic grouping of the fabric types was based on clay colour, texture and inclusion composition. In all, 40 sherds from Liatovouni I and II and early Liatovouni III (S48–S89), as well as 64 from Krya I and II (S1–S47, S90–S106) were selected for detailed petrographic analysis (Table 2, see also Yiouni, 2017). The samples are representative of the main wares in terms of their shape and clay fabric, as distinguished macroscopically. The sites of Krya, Rodotopi, Kastritsa, Kastro Ioanninon, Palabouti and Episkopi are situated in the Ioannina Basin and are within walking distance of one another (4–17 km). Our study of the comparative material sets out to provide some insights as to the range of pottery fabrics produced within the basin (Table 2). Petrographic analysis was carried out using a Leica DM2700P polarizing microscope, with the descriptions of observations following the system proposed by Whitbread (1995). Comparative charts were used to estimate void and inclusion frequencies, sorting and roundness (Bullock et al., 1985: 24; 27; 31). Kemp's (1985) frequency groupings are adopted for inclusion frequency characterization (predominant > 70%, dominant 50–70%, frequent 30–50%, common 15–30%, few 5–15%, very few 2–5%, rare 0.5–2%, very rare < 0.5%). The samples from Liatovouni and Krya were also subjected to re-firing tests in controlled laboratory conditions. Chips from the samples were re-fired in a Thermolab chamber furnace (MLR 5KW), in oxidizing conditions from 25o C to 900o C and with a heating rate of approximately 150 °C/ h. The samples were heat-soaked for 1 h and then left to cool overnight. The 900 °C upper limit was considered to be above the original firing temperature of the pottery included in the study, based on thin section examination of the samples. Re-firing allows a rough comparison of fired clay colours, without the variations caused by differences in the original firing conditions (Whitbread, 1995: 390–391).

3.1.1. LFG1 (fine sand-sedimentary-igneous) (LFG1a, six samples: orange-red I & II, matt-painted II; LFG1b, 31 samples: monochrome, with plastic decoration, orange-red I & II, mattpainted II). This is a relatively heterogeneous fabric group, representing a dark red, yellowish red, brown, dark brown or dark grey micromass in crosspolarised light (XPL) and approximately 2–3% voids. Both fabric subgroups contain common sub-angular to sub-rounded inclusions and are characterized by a fine matrix. LFG1a (Fig. 6a): Fine fabric containing well sorted inclusions with very fine to fine sand mode sizes, maximum grain size reaching coarse sand grade. Inclusions consist of dominant monocrystalline quartz, few to common biotite and muscovite mica, along with fewer polycrystalline quartz, feldspar, quartzite and chert grains. Rare serpentinised igneous rock fragments are present in one sample (S56). LFG1a pastes contain few to absent clay pellets (< 0.72 mm). LFG1b (Fig. 6b): Poorly sorted fabric, with few granules or pebble sized grains (< 4.5 mm) scattered within the fine matrix. The coarse fraction has dominant to few sandstone and red, dark red or brown siltstone fragments, frequent to absent micritic limestone and varying amounts of mono- and poly-crystalline quartz, chert and feldspar grains. Rare serpentinite grains are present in seven samples (S49, S53, S55, S57, S60, S66, S82), while serpentinised igneous rock fragments are present in three (S57, S82). The fine fraction is similar to LFG1a, but some of the samples also have frequent to few micritic limestone grains (S52, S58, S61, S63, S67, S76, S75, S78, S80, S86). LFG1b pastes contain common to very few dark brown clay pellets (< 1.7 mm). Samples S51 and S68 have a greater amount of larger grains of serpentinite and serpentinised igneous rock fragments, ranging in frequency from few to very few (Fig. 6c). LFG1a samples obtained a red colour after the re-firing test, indicating the use of a very similar clay type for all sub-group members. Good sorting of the fabric inclusions implies processing of raw

3. Results In the following sections the petrographic fabrics from Liatovouni, Krya and the sites from the Ioannina Basin are summarized and their distinctive features discussed. Detailed petrographic descriptions are presented in the supplementary online information (S1).

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Table 2 Catalogue of the samples selected for petrographic analysis. Catalogue of samples Α/Α

Provenance/excavation data

Ware/shape

Petrographic fabric

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72

Krya, TIII, #5, South face, Group 4, KRYA I Krya, TIII, #5, South face, Group 4, KRYA I Krya, TIII, #5, South face, Group 4, KRYA I Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #6, Group 6, KRYA I Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #6, Group 6, KRYA I Krya, TIII, #7, Group 8, KRYA I Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, Group 100, KRYA I Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, Group 100, KRYA I Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #3, Group 5, KRYA II Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #3, Group 1, KRYA II Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #3, Group 1, KRYA II Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #3, KRYA II Krya, ΤVI, #12, KRYA I Krya, ΤVI, #7, KRYA II Krya, ΤVI, #7, KRYA II Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #9, Group 12, 13, KRYA I Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #8–9, KRYA I Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #8–9, KRYA I Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #8–9, KRYA I Krya, Baulk, ΤV, #2, KRYA II Krya, ΤΙΙΙ Krya, ΤΙΙΙ Krya, ΤΙΙΙ Krya, ΤΙΙΙ Krya, ΤΙΙΙ Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #3, Group 5, KRYA II Krya, Baulk, #9, Group 3, KRYA I Krya, Baulk, #9, Group 3, KRYA I Krya, Baulk, #11, KRYA I Krya Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #3, Group5, KRYA II Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #3, Group5, KRYA II Krya, ΤΙ, #2, KRYA II Krya, ΤVI, #11, KRYA I Krya, ΤVI, #11, KRYA I Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #1, KRYA II Krya, Baulk, #6, Group 2, KRYA II Krya, Baulk, #7, KRYA I Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #3, Group 5, KRYA II Krya, Baulk, #9, Group 3, KRYA I Krya, 08.09.79, ΤΙΙΙ, #8, Group 10, KRYA I Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #4, KRYA II Krya, Baulk, #5, Group 2, KRYA II Krya, ΤVI, #5, KRYA II Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #6α, Group 6, KRYA II Krya, ΤVI, #6, KRYA II Krya, ΤVI, #9, KRYA I Liatovouni, Square Α1, trench Δ, soil beneath wall #3α, LIATOVOUNI Liatovouni, Square Α1, trench Δ, Group 3, #1, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Square Α1, trench Δ, Group 3, #1, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Square Α1, trench Δ, Group1, #1, LIATOVOUNI III Liatovouni, Baulk Α1-Β1, Trenches Α, Β, Group 4, LIATOVOUNI I Liatovouni, Baulk Α1-Β1, Trenches Α, Β, Group 4, LIATOVOUNI I Liatovouni, Baulk, Trenches Α, Β, Group 4, LIATOVOUNI I Liatovouni, Square Α1, trench Δ, soil beneath wall #3α, LIATOVOUNI Liatovouni, Square Α1, trench Δ, Group 1, #1, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Square Α1, trench Δ, Group 2, #1, LIATOVOUNI III Liatovouni, Square Β1, trench Β,Group 3, #3, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Square Β1, trench Β,Group 3, #3, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Square Β1, trench Β, Group 5, #1, LIATOVOUNI I Liatovouni, Square Α1, Trench Δ, Group 6, LIATOVOUNI I Liatovouni, Square Α1, trench Δ, soil beneath wall #3α, LIATOVOUNI Liatovouni, Square Α1, trench Δ, soil beneath wall #3α, LIATOVOUNI Liatovouni, Baulk Α1-Β1, trenches Α,Β, Group 4, LIATOVOUNI I Liatovouni, Baulk Α1-Β1, trenches Α,Β, Group 4, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Baulk Α1-Β1, trenches Α, Β, Group 4, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Baulk Α1-Β1, trenches Α, Β, Group 4, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Baulk Α1-Β1, trenches Α, Β, Group 4, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Square Α1, Trench Δ, Group 1, #1, LIATOVOUNI III Liatovouni, Square Β1, Trench Β, Group 3, #1, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Square Β1, Trench Β, Group 3, #1, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Square Β1, Trench Β, Group 3, #1, LIATOVOUNI II

Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/open Monochrome with plastic decoration/open Monochrome with plastic decoration/open Monochrome with plastic decoration/close Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/open Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome/cooking pot Monochrome/closed Matt-painted II/open Matt-painted I/open Matt-painted II/closed Matt-painted I/open Matt-painted I/open Matt-painted II/open Matt-painted II/open Matt-painted II/open Matt-painted II/open Matt-painted II/open Matt-painted I/open Orange-red I/open Orange-red I/open Orange-red I/close Orange-red I/open Orange-red I/open Orange-red I/closed Orange-red I/open Orange-red I/open Orange-red I/closed Orange-red I/closed Orange-red II/storage Orange-red II/storage Orange-red II/storage Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Orange-red II/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/open Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/open Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Matt-painted II/closed Matt-painted II/ Matt-painted II/open

KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2b KRFG2b KRFG2a KRFG2b KRFG2b KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2b KRFG1a KRFG1b KRFG2b KRFG1a KRFG1a KRFG1b KRFG1a KRFG1a KRFG1a KRFG1a KRFG1a LFG1a LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1a LFG1b LFG1a LFG1b LFG1b LFG2 LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1a LFG1a

II

II

II II

(continued on next page) 635

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Table 2 (continued) Catalogue of samples Α/Α

Provenance/excavation data

Ware/shape

Petrographic fabric

73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107

Liatovouni, Square Β1, Trench Β, Group 3, #1, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Square Β1, Trench Β, Group 3, #1, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Square Α1, Baulk Β-Δ, Group 3, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Square Α1, Baulk Γ- Δ, Group 4, LIATOVOUNI I Liatovouni, 01.09.97, Square Α1, Baulk Γ- Δ, Group 4, LIATOVOUNI I Liatovouni, Square Β1, trench Β, Group 5, #1, LIATOVOUNI I Liatovouni, Square Α1, Baulk Β-Δ, Group 3, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Baulk Α1-Β1, Τομών Β-Α, Group 4, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Baulk Α1-Β1, Τομών Β-Α, Group 4, LIATOVOUNI I Liatovouni, Baulk Α1-Β1, Τομών Β-Α, Group 4, LIATOVOUNI I Liatovouni, Square Α1, Trench Δ, soil beneath wall #3α, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Square Β1, trench Α, Group 5, #1, LIATOVOUNI I Liatovouni, Square Β1, trench Α, Group 4, #3, LIATOVOUNI I Liatovouni, Square Β1, trench Α, Group 4, LIATOVOUNI I Liatovouni, Square Β1, trench Δ, Group 5, #1, LIATOVOUNI I Liatovouni, Square Β1, trench Γ, Group 3, #1, LIATOVOUNI II Liatovouni, Square Α1, trench Β, Group 3, #3, LIATOVOUNI II Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #8, Group10, KRYA I Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #8, Group10, KRYA I Krya, ΤVII, #2, KRYA II Krya, east sector (pithos no 4), KRYA II Krya, ΤΙΙΙ, #1, KRYA II Krya, east sector (pithos no 7), KRYA II Krya, east sector (pithos no 13), KRYA II Krya, Baulk, #1, KRYA II Krya, Baulk, #6, KRYA II Krya, Surface material Krya, Baulk, #1, KRYA II Krya, Baulk, #3, KRYA II Krya, Baulk, #2, KRYA II Krya, Baulk, #4, KRYA II Krya, TIII, Group 5, KRYA I Krya, TIII, Group 2, KRYA I Krya, Baulk, #7, KRYA I Palabouti, Trench Α1

Matt-painted II Matt-painted II/open Matt-painted II/closed Orange-red II/open Orange-red II/open Orange-red II/closed Orange-red II/open Orange-red II/closed Orange-red II/open Monochrome/open Orange-red II/open Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Monochrome/closed Matt-painted I/open Matt-painted II/closed Matt-painted II/open Orange-red II/open Orange-red II/open Orange-red II/closed Orange-red II/storage Orange-red II/storage Orange-red II/storage Orange-red II/storage Orange-red I/open Orange-red I/open Orange-red I/Kylix Orange-red I/closed Orange-red I/open Orange-red I/open Orange-red I/Closed Orange-red I/Kylix Orange-red I/Kylix Orange-red I/Kylix Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed

108 109

Palabouti, Trench Α1 Kastro, trial trench V, #1, Group 213

Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed

110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119

Kastro, trial trench V, #1, Group 213 Kastro, trial trench V, #1, Group 213 Kastro, trench Α1, #3, Group 212 Kastro, trench Α1, #3, Group 212 Kastro, trial trench V, #1, Group 213 Kastro, trench Α1, #3, Group 212 Kastro, trench Α1, #3, Group 212 Kastro, 21.09.2009, trench Α1, #3, Group 212 Kastro, trench Α1, #3, Group 212 Episkopi, Ε27, #7, Group 53

Orange-red II/closed Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Orange-red II/open Orange-red II/open Orange-red II/open Orange-red II/open Orange-red II/open Orange-red II/closed

120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133

Episkopi, Ε27, #7, Group Episkopi, Ε27, #8, Group Episkopi, Ε27, #8, Group Episkopi, Ε27, #7, Group Episkopi, Ε27, #7, Group Kastritsa 1951/1952 Kastritsa 1951/1952 Kastritsa 1951/1952 Kastritsa 1951/1952 Kastritsa 1951 Kastritsa 1951 Kastritsa 1952 Rodotopi Rodotopi

Monochrome with plastic decoration/closed Monochrome/open Monochrome/open Orange-red II/closed Orange-red II/closed Orange-red I/Kylix Orange-red I/Kylix Orange-red I/Kylix Orange-red I/Kylix Orange-red I/Kylix Orange-red I/Kylix Orange-red I/Kylix Orange-red I/Kylix Orange-red I/Kylix

LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1b LFG1a LFG1b LFG1b LFG2 LFG2 LFG1b Dissolved during thin section preparation Dissolved during thin section preparation LFG1b KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG2a KRFG1a KRFG2a KRFG1a KRFG1a KRFG1a KRFG1b KRFG1a KRFG1a KRFG1a KRFG1a KRFG1a PALFG1 (Grog-tcf-chert) PALFG1 KASTRFG1 (Grog-tcf-chert) KASTRFG1 KASTRFG1 KASTRFG1 KASTRFG1 KASTRFG1 KASTRFG1 KASTRFG1 KASTRFG1 KASTRFG1 EPFG1 (grog-tcf-chert) EPFG1 EPFG1 EPFG1 EPFG1 Like KRFG1a Like KRFG1a KASFG1 KASFG1 KASFG1 KASFG1 KASFG1 KASFG1 Like KRFG1a Like KRFG1a

53 53 53 53 53

product of natural process.

materials, possibly by sieving. Re-fired samples of LGF1b were red, reddish yellow and yellowish red, reflecting either the exploitation of a range of similar sources, or natural variations within the same source. The latter is probably more likely, given the polymict character of recent sediments in the area (see Section 1.2). The weak bimodality of the inclusions in the coarse fraction of the LFG1b samples is most likely the

3.1.2. LFG 2 (Grog-tcf) (Three monochrome vessels) It is a relatively heterogeneous fabric, representing a pale to strong brown micromass in XPL. Inclusions are sub-angular to rounded and 636

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Table 3 Summary of the characteristics of the petrographic fabric groups. It includes 1. estimation of the sorting of inclusions; 2. estimation of the frequency of inclusions; 3. characteristic inclusions; 4. optical activity of the groundmass; 5. original colour; 6. colour after re-firing; 7. represented wares (number of samples); 8. shapes. Following Munsell Soil Colour Charts (1975), red stands for 2.5YR 5/6–5/8, yellowish red for 5YR 5/6–5/8, reddish yellow (a) for 5YR 6/6–6/8, reddish yellow (b) for 7.5YR 6/6–6/8, 7/6, light red for 2.5YR 6/8, dark grey for 10YR 3/1, 4/1–4/2, greyish brown for 10YR 5/2–5/3, 6/3, brown 7.5YR 5/6, 6/4. Petrographic groups

Pastes with siliceous inclusions

Liatovouni

LFG1 (37/40) LFG1a, (6/40) Fine; Well sorted; Common; Fine silicates-igneous rock fragments; Optical moderately activemoderately inactive; Reddish yellow (b), yellowish red; Re-fired red; Orange-red I (3), Orange-red II (1), Matt-painted II (2); Jars, bowls

Krya

KRFG1 (20/64) KRFG1a (17/64) Medium; Relatively well sorted; Common; Silicates, clastic sedimentary rock fragments; Active-moderately inactive; Light red, reddish yellow (a, b), yellowish red, brown; Re-fired red, reddish yellow (a), yellowish red; Orange-red I (9), matt-painted I (3), Matt-painted II (5); bowls, kylix, jars

Rodotopi Kastritsa

Like KRFG1a; Orange-red I (2); kylix Like KRFG1a; Orange-red I (2); kylix

Episkopi

Like KRFG1a; Orange-red II (1); Strap handle

Pastes with grog fragments and tcf LFG2 (3/40) LFG1b, (31/40) Medium/coarse; Poorly sorted; Common; Fine silicates-clastic and carbonate sedimentary rock & igneous rock fragments; Optical active-moderately inactive; Reddish yellow (mainly b), yellowish red, yellowish brown, greyish brown, brown; Re-fired red, reddish yellow (a), yellowish red; Monochrome (4), with plastic decoration (9), Orange-red I (7), Orange-red II (6), Matt-painted I (1), Matt-painted II (4); Storage, jars, bowls

Medium/coarse; Moderately sorted; Few-common; Grog, tcf, clastic and carbonate sedimentary & igneous rock fragments,-porous pastes; Optical active; Greyish brown; Re-fired red; Monochrome (3); Jar, bowls

KRFG2 (44/64) KRFG1b (3/64) Fine; Moderately sorted; Common; Fine silicates, clastic sedimentary rock fragments; Active-moderately inactive; light red, yellowish red (a, b) Re-fired red; Orange-red I (1), Matt-painted II (2); bowls

Coarse, Fine/medium; Poorly to moderately sorted; Few-common; Grog, tcf, chert, carbonate sedimentary rock fragments, opaques,- porous pastes; Optical active; Dark grey, brown, greyish brown, yellowish red, reddish yellow (a, b); Re-fired red, reddish yellow (a), yellowish red, light red; KRFG2a: Coarse subgroup: Monochrome (17), with plastic decoration (16), Orange-red II (3), Storage, cooking, jars, bowls; KRFG2b: Fine/medium subgroup: Monochrome (5), with plastic decoration (2), matt-painted II (1), jars, bowls

Medium; Moderately sorted; Common; Fine silicates, clastic and carbonate sedimentary rock fragments, mica-rich paste; Active-moderately inactive; Light red, reddish yellow (a); Orange-red I (5); kylix Coarse; Poorly sorted; Few-common; Grog, tcf, chert, opaques-porous pastes; Optical active; Yellowish red, dark grey; Monochrome (2), with plastic decoration (1), Orangered II (3); jars, bowls Coarse; Poorly sorted; Few-common; Grog, tcf, chert, carbonate and clastic sedimentary rock fragments, opaques,-porous pastes; Optical active; Reddish yellow (a), yellowish red, greyish brown, dark grey; Monochrome (3), with plastic decoration (1), Orangered II (6); jars, bowls Coarse; Poorly sorted; Few-common; Grog, tcf, chert, opaques-porous pastes; Optical active; Dark grey; Vessels with plastic decoration (2); jars

Kastro Ioanninon

Palabouti

The investigation of the provenance of the fabrics from the site of Liatovouni is facilitated by the presence of diagnostic non-plastic inclusions. Serpentinite grains and serpentinised igneous rock fragments (ultrabasic, basic and heavily altered igneous rock fragments), are present in all fabric types. They point to a link with the ophiolite series of the sub-Pelagonian zone, which outcrops approximately 26 km to the east of Liatovouni (Mavridis and Mavrakos, 1987; Koukouzas et al., 1973), (Fig. 4). These formations are truncated by Aoos River which flows on through flysch and limestone sediments, towards the settlement. In fact, Liatovouni is located on a fluvial terrace consisting of limestone, ophiolitic and sandstone cobbles. It appears then that the

moderately sorted, with maximum grain size reaching very coarse sand grade (< 1.8 mm). Samples S59 and S58 consist of a rather porous paste, with voids occupying 7–9% of the field of view, containing grog fragments and clay pellets, clastic, and more rarely, carbonate sedimentary rock fragments similar to those in LFG1, and rare to absent chert and serpentinised igneous rock fragments. The fine fraction consists predominantly of monocrystalline quartz and few muscovite mica (Fig. 6d). Sample S85 has a more compact paste and contains a higher proportion of rock and mineral grains, similar to those in LFG1, along with grog and clay pellets. Despite their mineralogical differences, they all acquired a red colour after re-firing. 637

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Fig. 5. Macro images of the petrographic fabric groups from Liatovouni and Krya, scale 10 mm: Liatovouni: a) LFG1a (S48), b) LFG1a (S71), c) LFG1b (S61), d) LFG1b (S74), e) LFG1b (S60), f) FG2 (S84). Krya: g) KRFG1a (S40), h) KRFG1a (S41), i) KRFG1b (S101), j) KRFG2a (S30), k) KRFG2a (S36), l) KRFG2b (S11).

yellow, yellowish red or brown (Table 3). Examples with a grey core are also present. Common well sorted siliceous inclusions, along with few reddish brown tcf (clay pellets) and black opaque minerals. Grog-tcf-chert: Coarse clay which fired dark grey, greyish brown, yellowish red to reddish yellow. Sherds usually have a dark core. Common poorly sorted sub-rounded red, brown and grey grog and clay pellets, few sub-angular chert grains, fine silicate inclusions and opaque minerals.

alluvial deposits surrounding the settlement could have provided the materials used in the manufacture of the Liatovouni vessels. 3.2. Krya Under macroscopic examination, the ceramic material from Krya was grouped within two fabric-types. Fine/medium sand: Fine/medium clay which fired light red, reddish

Fig. 6. Images of petrographic fabrics (XP) from Liatovouni and Krya, scale 0.5 mm: Liatovouni: a) LFG1a, very fine slip on exterior surface (S54); b) LFG1b, large sandstone fragment (S75); c) LFG1a, metamorphosed igneous rock fragment (S51); d) LFG2, grog fragments (S59). Krya: e) KRFG1a (S43); f) KRFG1b, sandstone fragments (S101); g) KRFG2a, paste with grog fragments, clay pellets and iron oxides, (S93, PPL); h) KRFG2b, slip-bearing grog fragment, (S36). 638

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described by Whitbread (1986). They usually present minor differences in composition, texture and colour from the host material, while they range in size from 2.9–0.2 mm. In some cases their identification as pottery fragments is rather straightforward, as in the case of the slip bearing grain in S36 (Fig. 6h), the fragments with “second generation grog” in S14, S23 and S26, or the grey and reddish brown inclusions in S93 (Fig. 6g). In other cases however, it was very difficult to distinguish between a grog fragment and a clay pellet. These features may indicate the addition of dried clay temper (Whitbread, 1986; Herbert and Smith, 2010; Quinn, 2013: 168–174). Overall, the heterogeneity of inclusions and their occasionally uneven distribution, gave the impression of poorly kneaded clays with limited homogenization of the matrix. KRFG2b is represented by better worked pastes. After re-firing, the KRFG2 samples ranged in colour from yellowish red, red, reddish yellow to light red, indicating the exploitation of a similar range of sources, although mindful that variations in temper may affect the final colour of the pastes. Clay mixing is also implied by the high frequency and variability of clay pellets. The composition of vessels from Krya are not particularly diagnostic in terms of origin. The presence of large chert grains in the KRFG2 pastes is compatible with the cherty sediments near the site (see Section 1.2). Similarly, the mineral contents of the KRFG1 pastes can be considered as the weathering product of the local sedimentary outcrops, but such formations are widespread in the Ioannina Basin.

The fabrics identified macroscopically were mostly verified during the petrographic study of the 64 samples. The main differences were amongst the brownish black vessels with burnished surfaces, which macroscopically were classified within the fine/medium sand category on the basis of the fineness of their paste (the dark colouration of the samples impeded identification). However, all of the samples examined (S1-S16), fell within the grog-tcf-chert fabric group (KRFG2a-b), (Fig. 5g–h, i). Furthermore, two additional subgroups (KRFG1a-b) were distinguished within the fine/medium sand fabric (Fig. 5j–k, l). 3.2.1. Fabric 1(KRFG1): Medium/fine sand-sedimentary (KRFG1a, medium sand-sedimentary, 17 samples: orange-red I, matt-painted I & II, KRFG1b, fine sand-sedimentary, three samples: orange-red I, matt-painted I This is a relatively heterogeneous fabric group, characterized by a reddish brown to dark brown micromass in XPL, with approximately 2–3% voids. Both subgroups contain common siliceous sub-angular to sub-rounded inclusions. KRFG1a (Fig. 6e): Medium fabric containing relatively well sorted inclusions with medium sand mode size and maximum grain size reaching granule grade (< 3 mm). Inclusions consist of dominant monocrystalline quartz, common to few feldspar and biotite or muscovite mica, along with fewer chert, polycrystalline quartz, quartzite grains and opaque minerals. Only three fabric samples (S98, S102, S105) contain rare, sandstone and brown or dark brown siltstone fragments (< 3 mm). Common dark brown clay pellets (< 2.4 mm) are present in all samples. KRFG1b (Fig. 6f): Fine fabric, containing moderately sorted inclusions with very fine to fine sand mode sizes and a maximum grain size reaching granule grade (< 2.8 mm). KRFG1b is not significantly different to KRFG1a in terms of composition, although a distinction can be made on the basis of the fineness of the matrix which consists of dominant monocrystalline quartz and common to few mica, as well as the higher frequency of clastic sedimentary rock fragments and the rarity of clay pellets (< 0.4 mm). The KRFG1a samples re-fired red, yellowish red and reddish yellow, probably indicating the exploitation of similar sources, although clay mixing cannot be excluded. The KRFG1b samples re-fired red, probably indicating a more restricted raw material selection. The weak bimodality of the inclusions in the coarse fraction of the KEFG1 samples is most probably the product of natural process.

3.3. Comparative material In all, 27 sherds from Rodotopi, Kastritsa, Kastro Ioanninon, Palabouti and Episkopi were selected as reference material. The sample from Kastritsa (S125-S131) and Rodotopi (S132, S133) consisted of nine sherds from orange-red I vessels. The fabric of the Rodotopi samples and two of those from Kastritsa (S125, S128) is identical to KRFG1a (Fig. 7a–b). A slightly different composition was identified in the remaining five Kastritsa sherds. In comparison to KRFG1a, this paste is richer in fine mica laths and regularly contains sandstone and siltstone fragments (< 3.5 mm), along with few metamorphic quartz grains. The sandstone fragments are similarly sorted to those present in the Krya pastes, although they are usually dark brown in colour, are richer in biotite mica and opaque minerals and in addition contain rare chert (Fig. 7d). Very rare micritic limestone is also occasionally present in the paste. The samples from Episkopi (S119-S124), Kastro Ioanninon (S109S118), and Palabouti (S107–S108) belonged to monochrome and orange-red II vessels with plastic decoration (Table 2). Apart from one orange-red II vessel from Episkopi (S123), which is made from a paste identical to KRFG1a (Fig. 7c), the pastes of the other samples are medium-coarse and poorly sorted and contain common to few grog fragments and clay pellets, chert grains and opaque minerals (Fig. 7e–h). Monocrystalline quartz and to a lesser extent micritic limestone are present in varying amounts. In XPL, the samples have a reddish yellow, dark yellowish brown or very dark grey-brown matrix, with approximately 2–8% voids. In comparison to KRFG2, these samples usually contain greater quantities of chert.

3.2.2. Fabric 2 (KRFG2): Grog-tcf -chert (KRFG2a, 36 samples: monochrome with plastic decoration, orangered II; KRFG2b: 8 samples: monochrome with plastic decoration, mattpainted II) This is a relatively heterogeneous fabric group, representing a yellowish red, brownish yellow or strong brown micromass in XPL, with approximately 5–12% voids (Fig. 6g). The poorly sorted sub-angular to rounded inclusions have a bimodal grain size distribution, ranging from granules (< 4 mm) to fine sand. Grog fragments and red, dark reddish brown and brown clay pellets constitute the commonest inclusions of the coarse fraction, but their relative frequency varies significantly from sample to sample. The coarse fraction also contain common to few, clear or brown coloured chert grains (often with Radiolaria), reaching granule grade (< 4 mm), along with frequent to very few opaque minerals and rare to absent polycrystalline quartz and sandstone fragments. One third of the samples have common to very few carbonate inclusions (mainly micritic limestone < 3.2 mm, in S1, S5, S6, S13, S18, S21, S22, S24, S25, S28, S34, S35, S90, S91, S92). The fine fraction has dominant monocrystalline quartz, common to few chert grains, along with fewer muscovite mica and opaque minerals. A fine/medium variety of KRFG2 is represented by eight examples made from less porous pastes. Inclusions are smaller than 2.8 mm and voids amount to around 3% of the field (Fig. 6h). Grog fragments were identified on the basis of the properties

3.4. Firing conditions Monochrome vessels and those with plastic decoration from Krya were regularly made using clay of the KRFG2 composition. They have rather dull surface colours, often with firing clouds and in most cases, dark cores (Fig. 5j-l). These features indicate incomplete carbon oxidation and most probably short duration of firing. Under microscopic examination, low firing temperatures (< 700–750 °C) are suggested by the optical activity (very active) of the groundmass, as well as the unaltered state of limestone grains. The same characteristics present the comparative material from the Ioannina Basin. During the Early Iron Age, an increase in the amount of medium/coarse textured orange-red 639

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a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Fig. 7. Images of petrographic fabrics (XP), scale 0.5 mm: a) Rodotopi (S133); b. Kastritsa (S125); c) Episkopi (S123), pastes identical to KRFG1a; d) Kastritsa, coarse sandstone fragment (S131); e) Episkopi, grog fragments (S120); f) Kastro Ioanninon, grog fragments (S113, PPL); g) Kastro Ioanninon, grog fragments, clay pellets and chert grains (S116); h) Palabouti, grog fragments and round chert grain (S107).

in more controlled conditions, as is indicated by the clear colour of their cross-sections. The majority of the samples have a moderately active to moderately inactive micromass (Fig. 5a–b). Taking into consideration the more or less unaltered state of limestone grains and mica laths, as well as the light colour (yellow-orange) of the serpentinite grains, a firing temperature of around 800 °C may be suggested. After re-firing, all samples acquired a clearer colour, while limited “lime popping” and fine cracks were visible amongst those containing limestone grains. The three vessels made using the LFG2 fabric (Fig. 5f) were most probably fired at lower temperatures, as can be inferred from their very active and birefringent groundmass. After re-firing, these samples acquired a clear red colour, while a few cracks were also present. In terms of the adornment of vessels, it should be noted that all matt-painted samples from Liatovouni and Krya retained black decoration after re-firing, indicating the use of paints rich in manganese. The brownish black vessels with burnished surfaces most probably acquired their black coloration by smudging at the end of a non-oxidizing firing.

II vessels is supported by the stratigraphic evidence (Vasileiou, 2015). Bearing in mind the regular presence of dark cores, it appears that these vessels were fired in a mixed atmosphere, followed by a rather short final oxidizing phase. Orange-red II vessels were also fired at rather low temperatures, as suggested by the optical activity of their groundmass (very active) and the unaltered state of limestone grains. After re-firing to 950 °C, all samples acquired clear colours, whereas most of the pastes with limestone grains presented rehydration of micritic inclusions and/ or surface cracks. These features were more intense amongst the pastes with coarse limestone grains. For instance, sample S92 was shattered and “lime popping” was more intense in S13, S22 and S90. The remaining samples had rare surface cracks, probably due to over-firing. Sample S39, a matt-painted II vessel made using the KRFG2b composition, had extensive cracks on both surfaces. Since “lime popping” or cracks were not obvious during the initial macroscopic examination of the material, it would appear that the original method of firing was well suited to the pastes in use by the potters. Orange-red I and matt-painted I & II pots usually have a uniform colour, although firing clouds and dark cores are also present (Fig. 5g–i). After re-firing, all of the samples acquired clearer coloration, indicating incomplete oxidization of the vessels during original firing. Wardle (1977:180) in his study of the Epirote ceramic material considered the orange-red I vessels as the first kiln fired pots in Epirus. Under microscopic examination, the optical activity of the groundmass of the orange-red I and matt-painted samples from Krya, Rodotopi and Kastritsa, ranged from active to moderately active/moderately inactive, indicating better firing than in the case of the monochrome vessels. However, if we take into consideration the absence of thermally altered minerals (mica laths), it may be suggested that these vessels were not subjected to temperatures exceeding 800 °C and therefore that they were probably fired in the open or in pits. Apart from the acquisition of clearer colours, re-firing had no other marked effect on the KRFG1-2 pastes. Red and orange-red colours prevail amongst the Liatovouni vessels, indicating more oxidizing conditions, at least in the final stages of firing. The common presence of a grey core may indicate a rather short duration of firing, while the fluctuating firing atmosphere is reflected in the complex coloured cross-sections of the vessels with thicker walls (Fig. 5c–e). Some of the monochrome and matt-painted pots were fired

4. Discussion Based on the analytical study, it can be suggested that the ceramic assemblages from Liatovouni and Krya, apart from morphological and stylistic similarities, share technological characteristics related to raw material selection and processing, as well as firing technology. In both settlements, non-calcareous sources were exploited and two main clay recipes were prepared. The first was of compact pastes with siliceous inclusions, while the second included those enriched with grog fragments. The potters were preparing manganese based paints and vessels were fired in the open or in pits. Furthermore in both settlements, certain pastes were used throughout the study period, pointing to longlived traditions in pottery technology. However, local preferences are also apparent. At Liatovouni, the siliceous pastes represent the main clay recipe used for all shapes and wares found in the settlement (Liatovouni I-III). Through a refining process, most probably sieving, fine and medium/coarse textured pastes were prepared, with all vessels fired in similar conditions. Pastes with argillaceous inclusions (grog and tcf) have a rather limited presence, represented in the petrographic sample by three low temperature fired 640

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adopted within local fabric traditions, since matt-painted II pots were also manufactured using pastes enriched with grog fragments (S93).

monochrome vessels (one jar and two bowls). However, a different pattern was observed at Krya. Pastes with argillaceous inclusions and chert grains constitute the main clay recipe throughout the study period and this was used for the manufacture of low fired “everyday wares”, such as storage, cooking and serving vessels. A finer version is represented by the monochrome and mattpainted II examples. Siliceous pastes on the other hand, have an exclusive presence amongst orange-red I and matt-painted I & II containers. It appears that this pattern is representative of the Ioannina Basin as a whole, as can be inferred from the microscopic and macroscopic examination of ceramics from a number of sites in the area. Most probably, the manufacture of the majority of the monochrome and plastic decorated vessels did not require special skills. Clay pastes which were enriched with varying amounts of grog fragments were poorly kneaded and roughly homogenized. The vessels were of rather simple forms, often with uneven wall thickness and rudimentary surface treatment, while all were probably only briefly fired in the open. Nevertheless, it appears that potters had an understanding of the properties of their materials, since by limiting the firing temperature to below 700–750 °C, they were able to prevent cracking during the process. The siliceous deposits having a widespread distribution within the Ioannina Basin (see Section 1.2), could have provided the raw materials for the manufacture of such vessels. For other wares though, the presence of more accomplished artisans may be suggested. These include the brownish black thin walled and often carinated vessels with burnished surfaces, made using fine and coarse versions of KRFG2. Also included here are the large pithoi, technically demanding both in terms of construction as well as firing. But even in this case, the clay pastes in use show the same lack of recipe standardization. Samples S93, S94, S95 and S96 represent four out of 12 storage vessels found in the same room at Krya II (Zachos, 1997). Samples S93 and S94 represent compact and heavily tempered clay pastes, whereas those of S95 and S96 contain fewer argillaceous and mineral inclusions. Fine orange-red I pots and painted vessels were made using siliceous fabrics and in more complex forms, although not always symmetrically constructed. They were decorated with manganese based paints and fired in more controlled conditions. The common use of these technological features indicates the rather more specialized production of both wares, most probably by the same potters. Through microscopic examination of the material, a number of paste types have been identified, representing variations of the basic clay recipe. The micaceous paste with frequent brown sandstone and siltstone fragments, identified amongst the Kastritsa samples, could be considered as a weathering product of the flysch formations located to the east of the site. The main paste type used at Krya was KRGF1a, although it has also been identified amongst the Rodotopi, Kastritsa and Episkopi samples. This pattern may reflect the distribution of ceramic products from a central workshop, or the exploitation of similar clay sources by different production units across the basin. KRFG1b has so far only been encountered amongst the Krya samples. A source of this material from the area around Krya cannot be excluded, but the absence of comparative analytical evidence does not allow for a secure assignment of provenance. Matt-painted I and orange-red I vessels are late additions to the Epirote ceramic repertoire and their morphological characteristics point to connections with western Macedonia and south-eastern Albania (Vokotopoulou, 1986: 255–267; Tartaron, 2004: 84–89; Vasileiou, 2015: 172–173). Interestingly, in the Ioannina Basin the new wares were not manufactured using the same pastes used to make “traditional” pottery, but a new clay recipe that appears to have been prepared exclusively for these vessels. This differentiation indicates that the introduction of the matt-painted tradition in the area was not based simply on the imitation of the visual characteristics of finished pots, but rather it involved the transfer of technological knowhow related to fabric and paint preparation. Matt-painted wares were eventually

5. Conclusions Macroscopic examination and petrographic analysis of ceramics from Liatovouni, Krya and a small sample from sites in the Ioannina Basin, has provided new information regarding the potential provenance and technology of manufacture of Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age vessels in the area. Although some local difference are apparent, ceramic production in the study region is characterized by a shared knowledge of materials, processes and techniques, pointing to contacts not only with neighboring sites, but with areas further afield. In combination with raw material sampling, further studies of ceramic assemblages from other sites in the Ioannina Prefecture will improve our knowledge of prehistoric settlement in the region and the evolution of local ceramic traditions. Acknowledgments Petrographic analysis was carried out at the Malcolm H. Wiener Laboratory of the ASCSA. Re-firing took place at the Ceramics and Composites Laboratory in the Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Ioannina. We are indebted to the Institute for Aegean Prehistory (INSTAP) for funding the preparation of the thin sections. We are grateful to Dr. Sh. Fox and Dr. P. Karkanas, Directors of the Wiener Laboratory of American Scholl of Classical Studies for allowing access to the facilities of the laboratory, as well as to Prof M. Karakasidis, Prof D. Gournis and Dr. K. Vasilopoulos of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering-University of Ioannina, for their help in re-firing the pottery samples. We would, also, like to thank Panagiotis Tzovaras for Fig. 1, Sophia Stergiou for Fig. 4, Panagiotis Tsigoulis for Fig. 5 and Dr. G. Marshall for assistance in editing. Special thanks are due to Dr. Eleni Nodarou (INSTAP Study Center for East Crete), Dr. P. Paschos (IGME-Prefecture of Preveza), Dr. R. Christidou (Research associate, CNRS/UMR 5133) and Dr. D. Michailidis, (Coordinator of Wiener Laboratory) for their help and constructive discussion during the study of the material. Finally, many thanks are due to the two anonymous reviewers, because their comments have been crucial in the improvement of the paper. We acknowledge INSTAP for granting us in the session acknowledgements. Appendix A. Supplementary data Supplementary data to this article can be found online at https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2018.08.009. References Andreou, E., Kleitsas, Ch., 2018. 1979–2009: Archaeological research in Gormos river valley at Pogoni, Ioannina, in The Archaeological Activity and Research in Northwest Greece and the Ionian islands, Ioannina 10–13 December 2014, Athens. pp. 88–100 (in Greek). Bullock, P., Federoff, N., Jongerius, A., Stoops, A., Tursina, T., 1985. Handbook for Soil Thin Section Description. Wolverhampton. Dakaris, S.I., 1951. Excavation in Kastritsa, Ioannina. Praktika Archeologikis Etaireias 173–183 (in Greek). Dakaris, S.I., 1952. Excavation in Kastritsa, Ioannina. In: Praktika Archeologikis Etaireias, pp. 362–386 (in Greek). Dakaris, S.I., 1956. Archeologikes erevnes sto lekanopedio Ioanninon, in Afieroma eis mninin Christou Souli, Athens. pp. 48–60. Dakaris, S.I., 1967. Excavation of the Sanctuary of Dodona. Praktika Archeologikis Etaireias 33–54 (in Greek). Douzougli, A., 1996. The Aoos Valley: Archaeological Testimonies for Human Presence from the Prehistoric Period till the Late Antiquity, in the Province of Konitsa through Space and Time. I eparchial Konitsas sto choro kai sto chrono, Konitsa, pp. 11–61 (in Greek). Douzougli, Α., Papadopoulos, J., 2011. Liatovouni: a molossian cemetery and settlement in Epirus. In: Jahrbuch des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts. 125. pp. 1–87.

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P. Yiouni, E. Vasileiou

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