To be or not to be local: a provenance study of archaeological ceramics from Shahr-i Sokhta, eastern Iran

Abstract Findings from the archaeological site of Shahr-i Sokhta in eastern Iran include a wide range undecorated, monochrome, and polychrome ceramics with gray, red, buff-colored bodies that date back to period spanning 3200 1800 B.C.E. Given large number variety unearthed Sokhta, provenance these wares has remained subject controversy. Based on compositional data obtained quantitative wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectroscopy studies petrographic observations, findings this study provide information can be used determine whether were manufactured locally or imported elsewhere. We show here chemical components group are similar those found local clay sources kiln wasters, suggesting production wares. However, one red gray-colored demonstrated entirely different chemistry, origin. In support WDXRF data, petrofabric analysis first buff, revealed poorly sorted basaltic clasts randomly distributed matrix clays. By contrast, non-local gray exhibited fine-grained distribution quartz within matrix.