Compositional reference for the documented Archaic production of indigenous matt-painted pottery at Entella (Western Sicily)

Abstract

This contribution is focused on a specific class of indigenous Archaic pottery (sixth and fifth century BC) with matt-painted geometric decoration that was recovered in large quantities in the excavations at Entella, an indigenous site located in western Sicily. The site of Entella was strategically considerable in this part of Sicily, controlling the north-south routes running along the river Belice. Kiln structures were attested at Entella that, until today, it is the only Archaic site in the area with an unmistakable evidence of production of fine pottery. The present research is aimed at yielding a complete petrographic and chemical characterization of the table ware produced at Entella during the sixth and fifth century BC. Analytical results were afterward compared with data concerning local clays that were subjected to experimental firing tests as well. This study is expected to provide additional interpretations concerning the trade between the native centers located in the interior of western Sicily and the Greek or Punic colonies sited along the coasts of the same territory.