General Information

The ware represents a consistent production tradition in terms of the treatment of the clay, surface treatments, finishing, and general workmanship of the vessels. Occurrences of this ware have so far been limited to table vessels. Currently, the definition of the ware is based entirely on observations of pottery from Tell Timai, which may be a producer of the ware.

The fabric of the ware appears to be Nile silt that has been very well levigated and cleaned of larger inclusions. Few small sub-angular bits of what is likely lime are visible in sections and they occasionally rupture surfaces. Some tiny gold mica is present. The compact matrix of the fabric contributes to clean, smooth breaks, which are sometimes conchoidal with sharp edges resulting from a hard firing. A high firing temperature with a period of reducing conditions in the kiln likely contributes to the hardness of the ware. A period of reducing conditions is evident from the thick bluish-grey core (GLEY 2 5/5 PB). Oxidization at the latter phase of firing is apparent from the surface color (red, 2.5YR 4/6) that extends into the body to create a thin rind.

All surfaces show evidence of smoothing and some tooling (trimming). The interior of open vessels are carefully smoothed and finished with a wet cloth, creating a thin, dull red self-slip (2.5YR 4/6). The wet-smoothing of the interior extends to the rim of open vessels causing excess water to run down the surfaces of the exterior, creating an unevenly present red self-slip (2.5YR 4/6). Exteriors commonly have thin horizontal burnish lines from trimming the vessel while still on the wheel. Exterior color subtly mottled from small amounts of clouding.

Tell Timai (Egypt/Delta/Lower Egypt)