Beyond a Decoration; Mineralogical and Micro-structural Study of the Early Bronze Age “Life Cycle Jar” from Keshik Cemetery, Sistan and Balouchistan, Iran

potsherds which were discovered in the Keshik cemetery, Baluchistan, south-east Iran. Samples
were investigated through classical analytical methods such as thin-section petrography, X-ray
powder diffraction (XRPD), and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray
fluorescence (SEM-EDX) to determine the production techniques, fabric characterisation, as well
as the pigments applied to decorate the surface of the Life Cycle Jar. Mineralogical and chemical
investigations revealed that the pottery pieces were similar in raw materials, and produced locally.
Samples show a wheel-thrown signature based on the definite orientation of pores and structural
character in their thin sections. The potter pieces were fired under oxidation processes demonstrated
by the red and green colour of the matrix. The investigated pottery samples were defined as high-fired
sherds (ca. 800–950°C), due to the presence of inclusions in the form of reacted calcite in rhombohedra
crystal structure, and hematite within the matrix of the pottery. The microstructural characteristics of
the pottery pieces showed that the manufacturing temperature was no higher than 950 °C, by presintering texture. The investigations on the painted decoration on the Life Cycle Jar suggested that iron
oxide and manganese oxide was used as the colourant agent in the decoration.