Petrographic Analyses of Fourth Millennium B. C. Pottery and Stone Vessels from the Northern Negev, Israel

Abstract

This article presents results of a petrographic analysis of Chalcolithic period pottery and stone vessels from the northern Negev. The data base consists of about 400 thin sections from more than 20 Chalcolithic sites. Most of the pottery vessels were produced in the immediate vicinity of the sites, excluding Gilat, which probably was a central site. The Cream Ware were made of Eocene chalk and a few pieces were transferred to sites away from the raw material exposures. A few of the basalt bowls were made of phosphorite and were probably produced in Transjordan.