Dalma ceramics at Surezha in the Erbil Plain: Stylistic, compositional, and petrographic evidence for trans-Zagros interaction during the Terminal Ubaid/Late Chalcolithic 1

Excavations at Surezha, on the Erbil plain in Iraqi Kurdistan, yielded 89 sherds of Dalma style pottery from 5th millennium BC contexts. ceramics are widespread northwestern Iran but occur only rarely west Zagros northeastern Iraq. To understand significance we document their forms, production technology, and decorative style. We use Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis petrography to determine geochemical composition location manufacture. then same techniques examine similar wares type site Tepe Iran. These complementary analyses show that Surezha stylistically alike compositionally distinct. Clay compositions match those local Plain ceramics, conclude were made locally. Stylistic petrographic data lead us suggest these vessels produced by small groups individuals, either transhumant pastoralists or persons displaced via exogamy, Iranian highlands. Finally, a single black-on-buff Ubaid/LC-1 sherd indicates it was probably manufactured Tigris River basin Mesopotamia. Our findings periodic contact between highland populations Mesopotamian communities during early BC, may indicate an manifestation seasonal pastoralism.