General Information

Egyptian Coptic Brittle Ware (CBW) is made from kaolinitic clay, and when fired it forms a fine, hard, and brittle body. CBW was used almost entirely for cooking vessels, though also small bowls, casseroles, and lids. Vessels made from this ware have thin walls and very pronounced ribbing with red-slipped surfaces. At Amheida, CBW is well attested from the fourth century through the end of Late Antiquity, and has parallels at sites throughout the Dakhla Oasis. 

CBW is a fine kaolinitic, iron-rich, brittle fabric that may possibly be made from kaolinitic clay local to the Dakhla Oasis. It is characterized by a hard core and medium-fine texture, and was fired in a variety of colors: light surfaces usually have regular bluish-gray cores, while dark surfaces have cores ranging from pale orange to pink. At Amheida, CBW is quite common, particularly in the fourth and fifth century CE contexts.

Amheida (Egypt/Western desert)