Estimation of Production Technology of Potsherds from Kaghan Valley (Mansehra) using their Physical Properties as Basic Parameters

Abstract

Physical characteristics such as colour of the potsherds, colour of the groundmass, isotropism, texture, grain size distribution, maximum grain size, roundness and sphericity of the non-plastic inclusions (clasts) may refer to the estimation of technology used in the pottery production. A total of fifty seven potsherds collected from the surface of seven different sites of the Kaghan Valley Mansehra have been studied for their above-mentioned physical properties. The study revealed that these characteristics have been proved as strong parameters for the estimation of firing environment (oxidative or reductive), production technology and the nature of tempering material used in the paste preparation for the pottery production. Moreover, these properties especially the colour reveals the presence of organic and inorganic materials in the paste and their current condition in the potsherds in addition the state of burning of these materials i.e. fully burnt or partially burnt.