High Tech in 5100 BC: multianalytical approach for characterisation of decorated pottery from Tappeh-Zaghe

Tappeh-Zaghe is an important archaeological site, located in the northern part of the Persian plateau, and dated to prehistoric times (∼5100 BC). The pottery from Tappeh-Zaghe shows an astonishingly fine manufacture. Multianalytical methods have been applied to determine the general chemical composition and the manufacturing process of the ceramic of this period. The results of this investigation show that the pottery from Tappeh-Zaghe was locally produced. The samples are characterised by three distinguishable layers, consisting of clay materials in the core and fine processed quartz aggregates mixed with lime paste on the surface. The external layer is decorated with a painted reddish decoration. The well processed quartz aggregates indicate that the potters applied the external layer on the surface to obtain a structure providing better conditions for decorating and painting, and also more resistant against thermal shock.