Tracing traditions: an analytical study of Late Chalcolithic ceramics from Cyprus

Abstract

The Late Chalcolithic period (ca. 2900-2400 BCE) in Cyprus represents a dynamic phase characterised by significant societal and material transformations, laying the foundation for the island's transition into the Bronze Age. In pottery production, notable developments include a focus on red and/or black monochrome wares, which were produced across the island. This paper presents findings of an intra-and inter-site compositional and technological analysis of ceramic fabrics from four Late Chalcolithic sites in southwestern and central Cyprus, i. e., Chlorakas-Palloures, Kissonerga-Mosphilia, Ambelikou-Agios Georghios, and Politiko-Kokkinorotsos. The study examines Red and Black Stroke-Burnished, Red Monochrome, and Spalled Wares, and samples of Red (and Black) Lustrous and Coarse wares. These ceramics were analysed using ceramic thin section petrography and handheld energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to determine their mineralogical, chemical, and technological characteristics. The analytical data have been integrated with contextual information and a prior detailed macroscopic examination of the selected samples. This project aims to investigate pottery technologies and assess the degree of fabric variability at local, regional, and interregional levels. Additionally, it explores pottery production processes and pottery distribution patterns, with a particular focus on identifying potential inter-site interaction within Cyprus during the Late Chalcolithic period.