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January 2010
Vassilis Politakis, potter specialising in ancient techniques 2. Polychrome Kamares Ware Dr Peter Day, archaeologist, University of Sheffield
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Project Our aim is the investigation of Bronze Age ceramic technology in Greece, first as regards both the raw materials and the firing techniques used. Based on the analytical data, the second phase is an attempt at reproducing pottery through all the stages of the production process. There have been efforts at international level to reproduce these techniques, but often the accuracy of the reproduction is doubtful, or modern chemicals, incompatible with the ancient period in question, have been used during the reproduction process. In order to ensure absolutely faithful reproductions, we follow the method set out below:
1. Data Sources a. Dr Kylikoglou provides all the data from the microscopic, petrographic and chemical analyses carried out in collaboration with Dr Day.
2. Materials Used Dr Kylikoglou indicates the composition of the raw materials found in ancient pottery, together with possible quarrying sites. Modern chemicals are not used in any case |
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| 3. Experimental Process V. Politakis collects and selects natural clays and other raw materials, further refining them. Tests are carried out to ensure the correct combination of the materials and their appropriate behaviour at every stage of reproduction. For those periods where no kilns are yet known, On 13/3/2010, in an experimental firing in a pit, it was noted that all the necessary firing atmospheres can be reproduced and all the colour hues observed on the corresponding ancient pottery rendered, while the temperature can easily be raised to 1000oC. |
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For later periods, the Minoan-type kiln made by V. Politakis in the village of Kyparissi is used. It is based on a drawing by Prof Philip Betancourt. 4. Final control of results The final form of the pottery produced is checked by the archaeologist responsible.
Primary results The project is currently at the stage of investigating the natural raw materials and their behaviour under different firing conditions. The first results bear out V. Politakis' theory on the production method used to make Vasilike ware. The experimental samples subjected to microscopic analysis by Dr Kylikoglou were absolutely compatible with the ancient artefacts.
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Direct comparison with the originals
Electron microscope image of a Vasilike ware reproduction  |
