Exploring chaîne opératoires of Hellenistic ceramic oil lamps from Nea Paphos, Cyprus

Abstract

This paper presents the reconstruction of the chaîne opératoires of local Hellenistic lamps found at the Agora in Nea Paphos. The study is based on detailed macroscopic observations combined with the results of laboratory analyses. It aims at shedding light on the operational sequences of lamp manufacture, from clay processing, through forming, finishing and surface treatments, to firing. The results indicate that the lamps produced in the Nea Paphos area underwent dynamic changes in terms of clay procurement and/or processing, forming techniques and firing, throughout the Hellenistic period. Furthermore, this research revealed indirect evidence suggesting that at least wheel-made lamps were produced in the same workshops as tableware vessels. Setting the results of this study in the broader context of lamp production in the Eastern Mediterranean allows for a better understanding of some aspects of the organization behind their production.