The introduction of Corded Ware Culture at a local levely:An exploratory study of cultural change during the Late Neolithic of the Dutch West Coast through ceramic technology

The introduction of the Corded Ware Culture (3000–2500 BCE) is considered a formative event in Europe's past. Ancient DNA analyses demonstrate that migrations played a crucial role in this event. However, these analyses approach the issue at a supra-regional scale, leaving questions about the regional and local impact of this event unresolved. This study pilots an approach to ceramics that brings this small-scale impact into focus by using the transmission of ceramic technology as a proxy for social change. It draws on ethno-archaeological studies of the effects of social changes on the transmission of ceramic production techniques to hypothesise the impact of three idealised scenarios that archaeologists have proposed for the introduction of Corded Ware Culture: migration, diffusion, and network interactions. Subsequently, it verifies these hypotheses by integrating geochemical (WDXRF), mineralogical (petrography), and macromorphological analysis of ceramics with network analysis. This method is applied to 30 Late Neolithic ceramic vessels from three sites in the western coastal area of the Netherlands (Hazerswoude-Rijndijk N11, Zandwerven, and Voorschoten-De Donk). This study concludes that the introduction of Corded Ware material culture is a process that varies from site to site in the western coastal area of the Netherlands. Moreover, the introduction of the Corded Ware Culture is characterised by continuity in technological traditions throughout the study area, indicating a degree of social continuity despite typological changes in ceramic

Development of ceramic production in the Kur River Basin (Fars, Iran) during the Neolithic. A compositional and technological approach using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and thin section petrography

This study aims to characterize the Neolithic ceramics (Mushki, Bashi, and Jari wares) of the Kur River Basin and reconstruct the origin of the raw materials and manufacturing technology. Neolithic ceramics from 13 different sites have been studied with handheld X-ray fluorescence (hXRF) spectroscopy and thin section petrography. The geochemical signature of these ceramics was defined, and four compositional groups were determined. The variation in these compositional groups most likely relates to the ceramic wares for the Mushki and Bashi ceramics and to the site or group of sites for the Jari ceramics. Additionally, sediment samples were studied with hXRF demonstrating the variability in the geochemistry of the area. To determine the composition of the slips used for Bashi and Jari ceramics and to compare them with the inner fabric of the vessels, micro X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) spectroscopy was applied. The combination of these archaeometrical techniques indicated the use of unaltered, fine-grained, and mainly alluvial clays without the addition of temper (except for chaff) for the production of the three studied wares and the use of different clay types through the Neolithic in the Kur River Basin

Emulation and technological adaptation in late 18th century Cloisonné-style Chinese painted enamels

Cloisonné-style motifs are rare and enigmatic in Chinese painted enamels because of their distinct technological development at the end of the 18th century. Five late Qianlong to Jiaqing period (1736–1820) Chinese painted enamels with cloisonné-style motifs are investigated using environmental scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Back-scattered electron images and elemental analysis are combined to study the decorative enamelled surface. The compositions of the layers within the enamel, that of the counter enamel and the polychrome decoration on the surface are determined and identified. Fluorine and elevated amounts of calcium were detected, indicating that fluorite was likely used as a raw material. The presence of this mineral, which is typical of Chinese cloisonné, confirms that these objects share both aesthetic and technological relationships

Transatlantic connections in colonial and post-colonial Haiti: archaeometric evidence for taches noires glazed tableware imported from Albissola, Italy to Fort Liberté, Haiti.

This paper presents the first archaeometrical data on colonial glazed wares (taches noires) imported in Haiti (Fort Liberté). The analysis evidenced the exclusive presence of Italian taches noires products, dated before 1820 and related to the colonial era. The presence of English wares next to colonial materials demonstrated continuity in the use of landscape after the Independence and the establishment of international trade relationships between the state of Haiti and the British Empire. Results are an important step forward in the understanding of production and movement of the Taches noires ware, which were exported globally between the eighteenth and nineteenth centurie

Investigating migration and mobility in the Early Roman frontier. The case of the Batavi in the Dutch Rhine delta (c. 50/30 BC–AD 40)

The study of migration is essential for understanding the earliest phases of the Roman period in the Lower Rhine delta. This paper applies an integrated and interdisciplinary approach, combining and comparing historical, archaeological and science-based evidence and methodologies, allowing a more detailed reconstruction of immigration during this period. Our study suggests that various groups migrated to our region, probably over a longer period of time, originating from different regions and arriving in a land with a (probably limited) residual population. This marked and varied immigration should be understood in the context of Roman frontier policy and the (ethnic) recruitment of Ger- manic groups by the Roman military

Technological dynamics of Early Iron Age ceramics from the Heuneburg (SW Germany):A synthesis of 50 years of research

This paper addresses technological dynamics revealed through raw material analyses of Late Hallstatt (seventh-fifth centuries BCE) ceramics from the famous Heuneburg site (Herbertingen-Hundersingen, SW Germany). The study combines, for the first time, separate sets of thin-sections produced over the last 50 years in order to provide a comprehensive and consolidated characterisation of technological changes in ceramic production taking place at the site during the Hallstatt phases D1 to D3. It provides significant new insights into the relation between raw material procurement and preparation, on the one hand, and changes in ceramic typology and production methods, on the other hand (i.e. the introduction of the potter's wheel). The results reveal a shift from a broad spectrum of fabrics tempered with grog, sand or crushed calcite in phase Hallstatt D1, to the increasing use of non-calcareous, grog or sand-tempered fabrics. The new wheel-turned pottery (appearing from phase Hallstatt D3) is exclusively produced using a non-calcareous clay, often tempered with fine sand, indicating a specialisation in raw material selection alongside the introduction of novel shaping techniques. Evidence of continuity between the fabrics used in phase Hallstatt D1 and the new wheel-turned pottery suggests craft specialists drew upon established technological knowledge to integrate the potter's wheel. The adoption of the potter's wheel was likely also stimulated by the increased demand for new vessels to accommodate the consumption of fermented drinks such as grape wine, fruit wine or beer.Material Culture Studie

Emulation and technological adaptation in late 18th-century cloisonne-style Chinese painted enamels

Cloisonne-style motifs are rare and enigmatic in Chinese painted enamels because of their distinct technological development at the end of the 18th century. Five late Qianlong to Jiaqing period (1736-1820) Chinese painted enamels with cloisonne-style motifs are investigated using environmental scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Back-scattered electron images and elemental analysis are combined to study the decorative enamelled surface. The compositions of the layers within the enamel, that of the counter enamel and the polychrome decoration on the surface are determined and identified. Fluorine and elevated amounts of calcium were detected, indicating that fluorite was likely used as a raw material. The presence of this mineral, which is typical of Chinese cloisonne, confirms that these objects share both aesthetic and technological relationships.Material Culture Studie

Technological connections in the development of 18th and 19th century Chinese painted enamels

Chinese painted enamel is an artistic tradition of enamelled copperwares developed during the Kangxi period (1662–1722), commonly referred to as Canton enamel after the Wade-Giles spelling of Guangzhou. In this study, enamel fragments from areas of damage in the decorated surface of ten Chinese painted enamel objects dating to the 18th and early 19th century in the collections of the Ashmolean and Fitzwilliam Museums were non-destructively analysed with ESEM-EDX (Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy). After analysis, the enamel fragments were reattached to the objects using a conservation grade adhesive. Quantitative EDX elemental analysis is presented for the white enamel, underdrawings, eight painted enamel colours, outlines, and gilding. The enamel-glass composition, opacifier and colourants are discussed and compared to ceramic, glass, and enamelled metal technologies in use during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). The results show that Chinese painted enamels combine Chinese and European technology to create a new and distinct art form

The introduction of Corded Ware Culture at a local level: an exploratory study of cultural change during the Late Neolithic of the Dutch West Coast through ceramic technology

The introduction of the Corded Ware Culture (3000–2500 BCE) is considered a formative event in Europe's past. Ancient DNA analyses demonstrate that migrations played a crucial role in this event. However, these analyses approach the issue at a supra-regional scale, leaving questions about the regional and local impact of this event unresolved. This study pilots an approach to ceramics that brings this small-scale impact into focus by using the transmission of ceramic technology as a proxy for social change. It draws on ethno-archaeological studies of the effects of social changes on the transmission of ceramic production techniques to hypothesise the impact of three idealised scenarios that archaeologists have proposed for the introduction of Corded Ware Culture: migration, diffusion, and network interactions. Subsequently, it verifies these hypotheses by integrating geochemical (WDXRF), mineralogical (petrography), and macromorphological analysis of ceramics with network analysis. This method is applied to 30 Late Neolithic ceramic vessels from three sites in the western coastal area of the Netherlands (Hazerswoude-Rijndijk N11, Zandwerven, and Voorschoten-De Donk). This study concludes that the introduction of Corded Ware material culture is a process that varies from site to site in the western coastal area of the Netherlands. Moreover, the introduction of the Corded Ware Culture is characterised by continuity in technological traditions throughout the study area, indicating a degree of social continuity despite typological changes in ceramics

The production and composition of Chinese lead-barium glass through experimental laboratory replication

Lead-barium glass appeared during the late Warring States period in China (457 - 221 BCE) and was considered as a Chinese invention due to the unique presence of high barium. There is no indication as to how it was made. A set of twenty-four different combinations of possible raw materials were melted to test and systematically evaluate the possible recipes for lead-barium glass. Specifically, the function and source of sodium in lead-barium glass were explored. The results show that sodium source is crucial for lead-barium glass forming in this particular system. This paper explores an alternative formulation since sodium flux is not reported in historical Chinese sources, in which the Na2O is provided by including soda-lime glass in the mixture. This particular formulation provides a potential explanation for the source of the sodium in lead-barium glas