INTERIM REPORT ON THE POTTERY FROM THE 2008 SEASON

The assemblage was studied stratigraphically as work proceeded starting with the uppermost layers, which also comprised the largest group of material. The pottery from each recorded context was sorted into fabric groups based on the nature of the constituents of the clays taking into account the types of inclusions, their size and frequency. Fabric codes are used to designate different fabrics. An alpha-numeric system has been used where letters have been used to indicate the major inclusion(s) present followed by a unique Arabic number, thus LI = limestone; CA = calcite; SA = sand; PY = pyroxene and associated inclusions; FL = flint, FE = iron oxides; MU = mudstone / argillaceous inclusions; GR = mixed grit and G = grog. A common name is sometimes used to define certain fabrics, for example Sinopean mortaria, Colchian amphorae etc. Attributes relevant to the definition of a fabric include colour, firing, hardness, feel and texture and inclusions. In addition to their identification the inclusions are defined by their frequency, shape and size. Frequency is defined by rare (less than 3%), sparse (57%), moderate (10-15%), common (20-25%), very common (30-40%) and abundant (4050%). Size ranges commonly used are very fine (up to 0.1 mm); fine (0.1-0.25 mm), medium (0.25-0.5 mm), coarse (0.5-1.0 mm) and very coarse (larger than 1.00 mm). Once sorted into fabric groups and assigned a code, the sherds from each context were counted and weighed and the details filled in on a pottery-recording sheet. Rim sherds were separated out and measured for diameter and the percentage of rim present (estimated vessel equivalent (EVE)) using a chart. The rims were coded to form, for example, jar/ cooking pot, pithos with sub-division for details of shape. This area of work requires modification and updating as a greater understanding the repertoire of vessels is gained particularly when dealing with small fragments. A range of the defined types were drawn along with other diagnostic pieces such as handles, bases, and spouts.