1. An integrated approach based on archaeometry, use-wear analysis and experimental archaeology to investigate the function of a specific type of basin diffused in the Predynastic sites of lower Egypt (4th mill. BC)
- Author
-
Vittorio Vinciguerra, Laura Medeghini, Vanessa Forte, Jade Bajeot, Isabella Caricola, Travaux et recherches archéologiques sur les cultures, les espaces et les sociétés (TRACES), Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication (MCC)-École des hautes études en sciences sociales (EHESS)-Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès (UT2J)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Newcastle University [Newcastle], Università degli Studi di Roma 'La Sapienza' = Sapienza University [Rome], DIBAF, University of Tuscia, Via S.C. de Lellis, 01100 Viterbo, Italy, and Laboratory of Technological and Functional Analyses of Prehistoric Artefacts (LTFAPA), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Subjects
010506 paleontology ,[SHS.ARCHEO]Humanities and Social Sciences/Archaeology and Prehistory ,Pottery ,Experimental archaeology ,Structural basin ,Integrated approach ,Predynastic Egypt ,Use-wear analysis ,010502 geochemistry & geophysics ,01 natural sciences ,Archaeology ,Archaeological science ,predynastic Egypt ,Lower Egyptian culture ,pottery ,use-wear analysis ,residue analysis ,experimental archaeology ,Petrography ,Rock fragment ,Mill ,Residue analysis ,ComputingMilieux_MISCELLANEOUS ,Geology ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Earth-Surface Processes - Abstract
This paper focuses on the functional analysis of a specific oval shaped basin diffused in Lower Egyptian Predynastic sites during the first half of the 4th millennium BC. These oval shallow ceramic basins are characterised by a flat and wide inner surface that is covered by a layer of small rock fragments pressed into the clay matrix. Several archeologists have interpreted them as grinding tools, but the limited number of samples unearthed thus far and their poor state of preservation made this interpretation uncertain. Here we present the results of a preliminary integrated study based on the combination of experimental archaeology and petrographic, use-wear and residue analyses carried out on two samples from the Predynastic site of Maadi. The use-wear analysis of the archaeological fragments highlighted traces of an intentional grinding and light pounding of oily substances, which is also partially supported by the organic residue investigation. These results were tested through experimental tests that confirmed these basins are most likely mortars. Establishing the actual functional activities performed in such a unique type of vessel is important not only for understanding the social behaviors of the Lower Egyptian Predynastic communities and the dynamics related to the diffusion of such basins, but it also provides a new methodological framework for Egyptian Predynastic studies.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF