The primary objective of the investigation of the handmade pottery
from Oss-Ussen was the composition of a detailed type-chronology of the
locally produced pottery, preferably applicable to a wider area than the
Maaskant region. On basis of pottery assemblages from pits, wells etc.
fourteen pottery phases have been defined (A2-N). They cover almost a
millennium, starting around the beginning of the Early Iron Age (800
BC). For sixteen variables, mainly concerning morphology and decoration,
developments in type-frequencies are presented in diagrams.
The secondary analysis of the technological characteristics of this
local ware did not reveal any significant differences between fine and
coarse ware, considering both clay texture and temper.
Another secondary study has been devoted to a rather large group of
non-local handmade pottery, coming from the western coastal zone, in
most cases probably containing seasalt (briquetage vessels). Its
provenance has been established by combining diatom analyses and
morphological characteristics. Moreover, shifts in supply routes are
indicated on basis of chemical analyses (XRF). These may partly explain
the changes in morphological types found in settlement sites in the
hinterland.Nederlandse Organisatie voor Zuiver-Wetenschappelijk OnderzoekFdA – Publicaties niet-programma gebonde