A Study Of The Firing Technique Of Pottery From Kaman-Kalehoyuk, Turkey, by Synchrotron Radiation-Induced Fluorescence X-Ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (Xanes) Analysis*

Fe K-XANES spectra of a series of pottery sherds excavated from the archaeological site of Kaman-Kalehoyuk, Turkey, were measured to reveal the firing technique of the pottery. The analysis disclosed relationships among the chemical form of the iron, the firing conditions and the colour of the pottery. The pottery referred to as ‘Grey Ware’ found at this site was classified into two groups according to the chemical form of the iron. Also, it was revealed that the Iron Age pottery referred to as ‘Cream Ware’ was produced first under reducing conditions, and then fired under oxidizing conditions.