Preliminary result of archaeological and petrographic classification of Neolithic pottery from Bahçelievler settlement in Northwestern Anatolia

Abstract

In prehistoric archaeology, pottery is a significant fragment in defining and making sense of the culture. The pottery forms and the differences in the variety of decorations are used together with other archaeological elements in the stratification of the settlement at the local scale. Bahçelievler settlement is located in the southeast of the Marmara Sea and in a mountainous area, unlike many other settlements with similar cultural characteristics. Bahçelievler Neolithic settlement was inhabited for the first time between 7192 and 7052 BCE and continued to be used until 6063–5971 BCE. Therefore, the settlement in question has a crucial role in the beginning and development of the Pottery Neolithic Period, especially in Northwestern Anatolia. Both the differences in form variation and the change in decoration preferences, as well as the changes in undefined stone, limestone, quartz, volcanic rock, basalt, etc. additives, provide meaningful results in the settlement stratigraphy. As a result of petrographic research, Bahçelievler Neolithic potteries are divided into four main groups and are very compatible with the archaeological classification. Clay and clay paste used in pottery are almost entirely consistent with local clays. It has been understood that the tempered material, which is strictly compatible with the geology of the immediate environment, is preferred for pottery. Although different forms and ware groups were selected chronologically to evaluate all the data together, it can be quickly asserted that the samples were of local production.