NET I.EH.vps(1-4).b, (large) FeMn / crumbling
reddish firing clay with predominance of Augite and Leucite
12th century BC
FRESH CROSS SECTION and FABRIC DESCRIPTION
THIN SECTIONS
ASSOCIATED POTTERY

FABRIC DESCRIPTION
NETTUNO fabric 5.
NET I.EH.vps(1-4).b, (large) FeMn / crumbling
Description on basis of macroscopical observation up to x30 (see image of fresh cross section above and table below)
The fabric is characterized by a reddish colour, prevailingly Munsell colour 2.5 YR 3/4 (dusky red). A medium percentage 10-20% black Augite and yellowish white but powdery Leucite is well detectable by naked eye. Occasionally Ferro-Manganese nodules can be seen. The inclusions are angular to rounded, unevenly distributed throughout the clay matrix and very poorly sorted in size. All sherds show a variety in fracture: from smooth to hackly. Sherds crumble very easy. This is probably caused by the deterioriation of the Leucite, which undermines the internal bond of the material.
fabric | 5 |
volume of inclusions | 10 - 20% |
sorting | vps |
particle size | <90 - >2000 |
quartz / feldspar | p - 1% |
flint | x - p% |
augite | 3 - 15% |
olivine | x |
mica | p - 1% |
FeMn-nodules | p - 3% |
leucite | 3 - 15% |
leucite-tuff | x - 1% |
lava | x-1% |
In general this fabric gives the impression of medium percentage inclusions. The particle size ranges from small to large (<90 – >2000) with occasionally relatively very large Ferro-Manganese nodules. Predominantly present are Augite and Leucite inclusions that may be (partially) weathered. The total volume of inclusions lies between 15 and 20%. The thin-section gives a restricted range in presence for both these inclusions, but this is due to the relatively small area represented in thin-section. The clay matrix seems insufficiently blended or even hardly prepared, with lighter and darker zones and fine fissures in varying directions.
The clay matrix with traces of insufficient blending, the relatively large Ferro-Manganese nodules, and fissures in varying directions indicate that vessels of this fabric were handmade.
fabric | 5 |
volume of inclusions | 10 - 20% |
sorting | vps |
particle size | <90 - >2000 |
quartz | p |
feldspar | p |
flint | x |
augite | 7 - 10% |
olivine | x |
mica | p - 1% |
garnet | x |
FeMn-nodules | p - 1% |
leucite | 5 - 7% |
leucite-tuff | 1 - 3% |
lava | x-1% |


No diagnostic shapes worth drawing were available.
P13C S9/5
Flat base, abraded on the inside
Inside : 2.5YR 3/3 (dark reddish brown)
Cross section : 2.5YR 3/3
Outside : 2.5YR 3/3
6.0 x 4.5 x 0.8-1.1 (abraded). D. >5.5
P13C S9/15
Wallfragment with decoration of oblique notches
Inside : 2.5YR 3/4 (dark reddish brown)
Cross section : 2.5YR 3/4
Outside : 2.5YR 3/4 3.3 x 4.6 x 1,3 (wall), 2.0 (wall and notch), 1.5 (depression between notches). D in position 27-28.
P13 D S1.L2/11
fragment of wall with band decoration 2.5 YR 3/4
Inside : 2.5YR 3/4 (dark reddish brown)
Cross section : 2.5YR 3/4
Outside : 2.5YR 3/4
5.8 x 3.5 x 1.1(wall), 1.8 (wall and band). D in position 33.