A multi-analytical study of ceramics from the Chalcolithic Period and the Early Bronze Age IB from Tell El-Far’ah North – Palestine

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The focus of this work is the characterization of ceramic fragments unearthed more than 60 years ago from the archaeological site of Tell El Far’ah North (west Bank), dated back to the Chalcolithic period (4500-3200 BC) and the Early Bronze Age I (3100-2900 BC). The ancient ceramics found at Tell El Far’ah North are considered fundamental archaeological material remains in reconstructing the cultural development. Indeed, they can provide insight into socio-economic backgrounds through their material culture and technological knowledge. Mineralogical, petrographic and chemical analyses are applied by means of optical Microscopy (OM), X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The aim of this study is the identification of petro-fabrics that may allow the assessment of the nature of the raw material used and their provenance, in addition to the technological level, such as the firing temperature.