Author: Jeffra, Caroline

Source: World Archaeology, Volume 40, Number 1, March 2008 , pp. 151-161(11)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Abstract:

This paper explores the ways in which horse hair alters the properties of clay and resulting vessels when used as a temper. This is based upon archaeological evidence found in Kazakhstan, though the experiments conducted were of a general nature. Experimentation involved comparing tempered to untempered vessels by recording dimensional changes, porosity and permeability, and resistance to tensile and shearing strain. A discussion of the benefits of including such a temper follows, highlighting the probability that it was added in order to aid vessel formation rather than for specific vessel performance characteristics.

Keywords: Temper; hair; Kazakhstan; pottery; Makhandzhar; experiments

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00438240801889431

Publication date: 2008-03-01

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