Ceramic artifacts from the archaeological site “Biser”, Eastern Rhodopes, Bulgaria – new data about composition and manufacturing technology

Ceramic artifacts from the archaeological site “Biser”, located near the village of Biser, Haskovo region are studied. The artifacts from the Early Iron Age (EIA) have been characterized by optical, XRD, and SEM-EDS methods. The main part of the cherds shows similar composition. The raw material used for their manufacturing is well-washed clay. The temperature of the firing is in the interval between 500–550 °С to 800–850 °С. According to the petrographic characteristics and technological features of the production of the pottery, we supposed a local source of the raw material. The results for the composition of minerals such as plagioclase and amphibole (the main mineral inclusions) in ceramic artifacts confirmed the local source as well. The obtained data will help to identify the characteristics of the local ceramic production during EIA in the region.