Achaean pottery of the Late Geometric period: the Impressed Ware workshop

Abstract

The technical and morphological features of the products of the Late Geometric Achaean Impressed Ware workshop as well as its connection with the contemporary fine painted ware and Thapsos ware are presented in the present article. Apart from Ano Mazaraki, where the products of the workshop form one of the most important categories of dedications to the goddess, impressed pottery so far has been found at two other sites in Achaea: Aigio and Trapeza Hill in the village of Koumari near Aigio. Outside Achaea, products of the impressed pottery workshop have come to light at the sanctuary of Artemis at Lousoi (ancient Arcadia) and also at Delphi. The characteristic shapes produced by the Impressed Ware workshop are handleless cylindrical and biconical vases, pyxides, small skyphoi and also models of granaries and possibly tables, tripod legs and human figurines. The recognition and identification of the unique Impressed Ware workshop reflect the skills and productivity of Achaean potters during the Late Geometric period. The study of the products of this workshop has led to the recognition of its Achaean identity and its direct relations with the contemporary Achaean fine painted-ware. Furthermore comparison of Impressed Ware with the Thapsos Class vases found so far in Achaea has led us to identify important issues of fabric similarity, close contextual associations, motifs, and decorative syntax which link the above wares, and allow Impressed Ware pottery to make a significant contribution to the argument for an Achaean Thapsos Class production centre.

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