Revealing primary forming techniques in wheel-made ceramics with X-ray microCT

Abstract

The identification of ceramic forming techniques poses challenges, particularly when different primary and secondary forming techniques are combined, or when specific surface treatments obscure potential diagnostic features. As emphasized in the existing literature, a comprehensive approach should consider all potential sources of information. In this study, we employed a combination of macroscopic observations and X-ray microCT analysis on experimental cups reproduced using the complex technology attested in Middle Bronze Age Crete, i.e. a combination of hand-building technique and potter's wheel. Our investigation focuses on the potential of microCT scanning in unveiling forming techniques in wheel-thrown and wheel-fashioned ceramics. Our results indicate that integrating the visualization of 3D thickness variation in vessel walls, quantification of 2D wall thickness distribution in longitudinal virtual slices, identification of possible structural joints in virtual sections, and evaluation of voids orientation with traditional macroscopic analysis generally allows for the recognition of primary forming techniques and the reconstruction of complex ceramic technological processes.