MINERAL-PETROGRAPHIC PARTICULARITY OF CERAMICS FROM THE EARLY IRON AGE, THE KARDZHALI AREA, THE EASTERN RHODOPES TITLE

ABSTRACT. The examined ceramic artifacts were found during archaeological excavations of two closely situated sanctuaries in the Eastern Rhodopes: the sanctuaries of "Rezbartsi" and "Kodza Kaya" from the Early Iron Age (EIA). Artefacts were analysed by optical, chemical, and structural methods. The obtained results show differences in the composition of the natural inclusions in the material used to produce the ceramics from the two sites. The established mineral composition allows it to be referred to as the medium temperature fired ceramics in the range of 550°-800°(850°) C. Different pigments (coal and hematite) were studied in the artifacts found. The differences regarding the composition of the clay used to produce the ceramics in this period of time suggest several sources of raw materials of local nature. The technological characteristics of the ceramics from the two investigated sites are different.