FOR A NEW CERAMIC SEQUENCEOF PROTOPALATIAL PHAISTOS (MM IB - MM IIA) AND SOME OBSERVATIONS ON BARBOTINE WARE

Abstract

The aim of this paper is twofold: first, to define a new ceramic sequence for Protopalatial Phaistos, in particular for the first phases of the Protopalatial period, i.e. MM IB - MM IIA. Second, to produce a study of the Barbotine Ware attested in these deposits, which will add new data on the evolution of this class of pottery, and in turn, may be useful in dating examples found elsewhere.

The recent re-examination of Levi’s 1950-1966 excavations at Phaistos and the new data emerging from the re-study of homogeneous deposits from Phaistos and HaghiaTriada, combined with the observation that these deposits find excellent correlation with other deposits and sequences of Crete, have enabled the author to propose a new sound ceramic sequence for Protopalatial Phaistos (MM IB - MM IIA), based on more secure evidence than previous schemes.

Since K.P. Foster’s seminal publication (1982), new excavations and studies of old material conducted at Phaistos, Kommos, Knossos and other Cretan sites have much enriched our knowledge of Barbotine Ware and allow for some refinement and adjustment of Foster’s work. At Phaistos, in particular, a reassessment of this ware and its evolution has been made possible by the re-study of some neglected homogeneous deposits. The definition of the development of this class of pottery is important because it could offer a useful chronological tool for Protopalatial Phaistos and for other contemporary Minoan centres.