{"product_id":"khartoum-culture-pottery-fragments-1","title":"Khartoum Culture Pottery Fragments","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eNeolithic Period, c. 5000–2500 BC, Khartoum, Central Sudan\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA beautiful and exceptionally well-preserved group of four pottery fragments from thick-walled, open-mouthed globular vessels, made from coarse Nile clay tempered with sand, quartz, mica, and organic fibres during the Neolithic Period. The gently curved sherds retain attractive burnished surfaces and preserve a range of decorative treatments characteristic of the early ceramic traditions of the central Sudan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNeolithic pottery from the Khartoum region is distinguished by an impressive variety of surface treatments and geometric decoration. Common techniques included careful burnishing, horizontal linear incisions, dotted zigzag motifs, regularly or irregularly spaced dots, horizontal dotted lines produced using alternating pivoting stamps, semi-circular concentric dotted patterns, scraping, incised fish-scale designs, and contrasting dark or blackened rims. These decorative elements were an important part of the visual character of early Sudanese pottery and demonstrate the considerable creativity employed in the treatment of otherwise utilitarian vessels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA variety of simple implements could be used to create such decoration, including combs, pronged tools, and spatula-like instruments made from bone, mollusc shell, wood, plant material, or clay. Almost any tool with a serrated, pointed, or suitably shaped edge could be pressed, dragged, or impressed into the soft clay before firing. The largest fragment is particularly appealing, preserving a distinctive incised ripple-ware pattern created by dragging a multi-toothed implement across the surface of the wet clay. This characteristic technique is well documented at important Neolithic sites including Esh-Shaheinab and Kadero.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe coarse Nile clay, carefully prepared temper, and varied decorative techniques provide valuable evidence for the development of pottery manufacture in prehistoric Sudan. While vessels of this kind served practical domestic functions, the attention devoted to their surfaces reveals the growing importance of ornament and visual expression within Neolithic communities along the Nile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe surviving white ink annotations, including markings such as “C9\/1” and “C8\/2”, are consistent with archaeological registrar or collection markings used to identify and catalogue individual objects according to excavation area, trench or layer, and artifact group. These inscriptions add an intriguing documentary element to the fragments, preserving a tangible connection to their archaeological and collecting history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAn exceptionally attractive group of prehistoric ceramic fragments, these pieces provide a fascinating glimpse into the craftsmanship, decorative traditions, and everyday material culture of Neolithic communities along the Nile more than six thousand years ago. Their varied ornamentation and well-preserved surfaces make them particularly appealing examples of one of Africa's earliest established ceramic traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eGood condition. The fragments range in size from approximately 5,0cm wide for the largest to 3,0cm wide for the smallest. Sell as a set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eProvenance: Swedish private collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFor a similar examples see:\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eVessel fragment, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession number: 2006.82.10 (https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search\/576657)\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eVessel, National Museums Liverpool, Accession number: 1973.1.425.9 (https:\/\/www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk\/artifact\/vessel-67)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Göta's World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57306744488201,"sku":"100100665","price":165.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/1557\/5561\/files\/IMG_0706.jpg?v=1788511272","url":"https:\/\/gotasworld.com\/products\/khartoum-culture-pottery-fragments-1","provider":"Göta's World","version":"1.0","type":"link"}