China Ceramic Petrography Database

Overview:

Click here to view all 277 database records.

This database seeks to incorporate petrographic data from archaeological ceramics and geological sources across China in order to make it available in Chinese and English as a comparative reference collection. While the initial focus is on materials from the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age period in northwestern China, the eventual goal is that contributions from other petrographers working across the country will allow for the expansion of the database both geographically and chronologically. In order to add data to the site, please first contact the site editors directly and use this template for entering your data. Consult the "Database Category Notes" or contact the editors directly if you have questions regarding data entry and formatting. Eventually we hope that petrographers working on new materials will be able to easily search for similar ceramic and geological materials in order to inform their own research and to allow for a better understanding of connections between ceramics and sources throughout the country.

The initial dataset is composed of more than 250 archaeological ceramic samples dating to the Majiayao and Qijia periods in southern Gansu Province. Around 30 geological samples including clay, sand, and rock from known archaeological sites in the area are also included. This initial dataset was collected as part of the Tao River Archaeological Project, an international collaboration between Harvard University, Beijing University, and the Gansu Institute of Archaeology, and is a mixture of sherds collected from surface survey and excavation at four sites in the northern Tao River Valley. While exact sampling methodologies vary by dataset, each is either a total sample or a stratified random sample of the available data. Notes on exact sampling strategies are provided for each individual dataset. All samples, with the exception of some geological materials were thin sectioned at the Beijing Geological Museum Ceramic Petrography Workshop and then were examined at Yale University and Shandong University.

While a number of techniques are available for petrographic analysis, this initial dataset was examined using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods as outlined in Whitbread (1995) and Stoltman (1989; 1991; 2001; 2015), respectively. While this database will not require that these exact methods be followed, it is hoped that the general methods given in the Methodological Notes section of the website will be followed in order to allow for ease of comparison between datasets. Individual methodological notes will accompany all datasets and will outline any deviations from those given here. Results for individual samples are displayed for both qualitative and quantitative analysis and also include notes from the survey or excavation context, macro analysis of the sherds, images of the whole sherd, and pictomicrographs of the thin section.

Data from petrographic research from across China is welcome to be added to the website, with curation of the data taking place as a collaboration between the database curator and the contributor. All data will eventually be available and searchable both in Chinese and English. All data placed on this website is citable. For citation information please see the citation notes at the bottom of each page.

Methodological Notes:

In order to make use and comparison of these datasets as straightforward as possible please read through the following guidelines before submitting (and preferably before analyzing) your data for inclusion in the database. You can use the spreadsheet temple provided here to record your data. While not all of the information below is required for inclusion, the more you can add the better the results!

General Sample Information: This section should include information on find location, find context, approximate time period, cultural affiliation, sampling strategy, surface treatment, color, and vessel type (if known). If you have questions about sampling strategies please see Drennan’s Statistics for Archaeologists (2010).

Petrographic Information (Qualitative): Petrographic data will vary based on the techniques used. Ideally for this database a combination of qualitative and quantitative data will be provided. If only qualitative analysis is undertaken then techniques outlined by Whitbread (1995), Appendix A3.2 should be generally followed. This ideally includes descriptions of C/F/V ratios; size and shape of voids; grain size distribution; homogeneity, color, optical activity, and birefringence of the groundmass; description of texture; description of inclusions noting predominant, frequent, few, rare, and very rare inclusions; presence of textural concentration features, amorphous concentration features, and/or crystalline concentration features. At the very least a description of the inclusions and C/F/V ratios is required.

Petrographic Information (Quantitative): If point counting is used in addition to qualitative analysis, then please follow the general methods laid out by Stoltman (1989; 1991; 2001; 2015) in his articles on the subject. While certain attributes of this method, such as the sand and temper size indices, do not need to be included, the actual method for counting, including use of a movable stage set to 1mm intervals and his categories for inclusion sizes, should be followed. At least 120 points should be counted for each sample, with sample rotation and recounting used if the sample size is too small to achieve this number in a single count. If point counting is used, then some aspects of the qualitative assessment can be skipped, such as C/F/V rations and description of inclusions, since these will be effectively replaced by the point counting results. Both raw counts of matrix, silt, sand, temper, and voids as well as ternary plots of these results will ideally be provided.

Fabric Grouping: This includes a general descriptive term that covers the predominant or notable inclusions in the fabric of the sample. For example, if the sherd predominantly has quartz and feldspar inclusions with no notable accessory minerals then this may be termed a Quartz-Feldspar Fabric Group. In order to simplify searching of the database, please check to see if an identical fabric to what you are describing has already been noted on the website. If so, please use this fabric description instead of creating your own. This can be done in consultation with the database curator.

Geological Associations: If you can confidentially associate the fabric of a sherd with known clay or temper sources then please note this association. Discussion of your confidence in this association can be undertaken with the database curator before a final decision on inclusion is made.

Geological Samples: Geological samples of rocks, clay, and/or sand are also welcome in this database. Requirements for information on geological samples for the database is still evolving, so please contact the database curator for more information. Point counting for clay samples is ideal. Any associations between geological samples and ceramics should be noted.

Images: At least one PPL and one XPL pictomicrograph of each sample is necessary for inclusion on the website. Samples without images may be considered in some cases. Ideally multiple images at multiple zoom levels and focus on various inclusion types is ideal.

Potential Applications of the Data:

Currently the field of ceramic petrography in China is very small and for many regions there are no datasets available. Even if petrography has been undertaken, it is very difficult to gain access to this data and there are no standardized methods or formats for displaying and sharing it. The first goal of this database it to help newcomers to the field by providing a standardized form for recording and sharing petrographic data and a location where they can compare their own results with the work of others. The second goal is to provide access to as many ceramic and geological samples as possible so that scholars can begin to make connections between materials used in various locations and time periods in China. Currently most cultural connections and boundaries are based on ceramic typology alone, with little attention paid to whether forms that are similar actually were made using similar raw materials. The hope is that this data can be used to further refine our understanding of ceramic production, exchange, and social interaction in early China. Finally, this database will act as a jumping off point for other aspects of ceramic data, including chemical analysis, use-wear, and other methodologies that hopefully will eventually be incorporated into a larger ceramic analysis database.

Support:

The creation of this database would not be possible without generous funding from the National Science Foundation (Dissertation Improvement Grant #1086761). The research into the foundational dataset for this database was also made possible by the support of the Fulbright Foundation, the Yale University Council on East Asian Studies, and the Yale University MacMillan Center. Laboratory facilities were kindly provided by the Yale University Department of Anthropology and Shandong University. Many thanks also to individuals who have advised and contributed to this research including Dr. Anne Underhill, Dr. Rowan Flad, Dr. Wang Hui, Dr. Li Shuicheng, Zhou Jing, and Yu Changfu.

Publications Cited:

Drennan, R. D. (2010). Statistics for archaeologists, Springer.

Stoltman, J. B. (1989). "A quantitative approach to the petrographic analysis of ceramic thin sections." American Antiquity: 147-160.

Stoltman, J. B. (1991). "Ceramic petrography as a technique for documenting cultural interaction: an example from the upper Mississippi Valley." American Antiquity 56(1): 103-120.

Stoltman, J. B. (2001). The role of petrography in the study of archaeological ceramics. Earth sciences and archaeology, Springer: 297-326.

Stoltman, J. B. (2015). Ceramic Petrography and Hopewell Interaction, University of Alabama Press.

Whitbread, I. K. (1995). Greek Transport Amphorae: a petrological and archaeological study. Athens, Greece, British School at Athens.

China Ceramic Petrography Database Category Notes

General Information Categories:

• OPEN CONTEXT ID: This unique alphanumeric identifier will be assigned to each sample added to the database in order to identify it among all other submitted samples. You may leave this field blank.
  编号：每个被加入数据库的样品都会有一个由字母和数字组成的编号，利于划分所有被提交的样品。
• SAMPLE ID: This indicator is specific to the project from which the sample was taken and is used for locating records specific to that project.
  样品：这个名称和研究项目相对应，以便于后续查找属于同一个项目的所有样品。
• SITE: This denotes the archaeological site that the sample was taken from. For samples collected through survey the nearest local town or the country can be noted instead.
  遗址：这一项主要记录样品来自哪个考古遗址。对于在调查中采集的样品，该项可以输入距离采集点最近的城镇或者乡村。
• CULTURAL AFFILIATION: If the sample comes from a known archaeological culture or subphase of a culture please note that here.
  文化类型：如果样品属于某已知的考古学文化或者具体类型，请予以记录。
• CONTEXT: Here the context in which the sample was collected should be noted. Examples include surface collection, excavation, or road cut.
  背景：记录样品的背景信息，如来自地表采集、考古发掘、或者剖面等。
• NORTHING and EASTING: Please provide a general GPS location for the sample; UTM WGS1984 is preferred. Please convert other projections to this system before submitting data. Due to concerns with looting, please only provide a general set of coordinates, leaving off decimal points.
  坐标：请提供标本来源的位置坐标；建议采用84坐标系统，如果采用的不是此坐标系统，请在提交数据之前将其转换为此坐标系。为防止文物盗掘行为发生，请只提交坐标系的整数位。
• SAMPLE TYPE: If possible, please specify what part of a ceramic vessel or object was used to create your thin section. Examples could include body, rim, neck, shoulder, base, or handle. If you are using a different naming convention for ceramic parts please convert your terminology to match our system. If you have a part that is not yet entered in the database or in the examples provided here, please note this in your submission.
  样品类型：请具体描述每片切片样品来自器皿的哪个部位，比如：器身，口沿，颈部，肩部，底座，或是把手。如果您使用其它命名术语，请在提交数据前将不同的术语改为上述标准名词。如果您的样品来自除上述约定外的其他部位，请在提交数据前特别标注此部分。
• MACRO PASTE ASSESSMENT: Many projects and researchers do a general macro assessment of a sherd before producing a thin section; this often includes a general assessment of the paste type. In this category please record your macro assessment of the paste. This can include Fine (no inclusions visible), Fine Sand (only very small inclusions visible), and Coarse Sand (frequent, large inclusions visible). If you feel that other terminology is appropriate for your samples please note this on submission along with a description of your terms.
  宏观陶胎预估：许多研究项目或是研究工作者会在制作切片以前对陶片的材质进行宏观预估。请在这个部分记录对陶片材质的大体评估，确保记录：泥质（没有可见夹杂物），细砂（只有细小夹杂物可见），粗砂（高频出现的大型夹杂物）。如果其他术语更适合形容您的样品，请在提交此表时注明。
• SURFACE TREATMENT: This category will be as variable as the many surface treatments seen on ancient pottery. In an effort to standardize entries in this category please refer to the descriptions and photographs provided for each type.
  陶器表面处理：此部分记录古代陶片表面上被加工过的特征。因为古代陶片上的此类特征变化多样，请参照本网站的标准化描述和各类样品照片为基础来记录样品。
• Plain: There is no visible surface treatment.
  素面：陶片表面没有明显的特殊处理痕迹。
• Paint: Pigment of any type or color has been used to decorate the surface.
  彩绘：陶片表面存在上彩或者彩色绘制图案
• Cord Mark: Cords, with a distinctive twill, have been impressed on the surface.
  绳纹：陶片表面有被绳子压印过的痕迹
• Crisscrossed Cord Mark: Cords have been used to create a crisscrossed patter on the surface.
  交叉绳纹：陶片表面有用绳子交错压印过的痕迹
• Basket Mark: Wide, shallow, parallel impressions have been made on the surface.
  篮纹：陶片表面有间隔较宽和压印痕迹浅的平行纹饰图案
• Incision: Sharp, deep lines or holes have been incised into the surface.
  刻划纹：陶片表面有明显且较深刻痕的线条或孔洞
• Grid Incision: Crisscrossing incised lines have been cut into the surface.
  网格刻划纹：陶片表面有交错的刻划痕纹饰
• Comb: Shallow, parallel lines have been created using a comb-like device.
  蓖纹：陶片表面有较浅的平行纹饰，类似用梳子一样的工具制作出来的纹饰。
• Impression: Fingers or tools have been used to create lines or other designs on the surface.
  压印纹：陶片表面有手指或是其他工具压印出的纹饰
• Applique: Clay has been added to the vessel surface to form a decorative design.
  附加堆纹：陶片表面有附加上的泥土装饰

A note on slipping and burnishing: While slipping and burnishing can be visible to the naked eye, it is often difficult to accurately identify these in many cases. Since these surface treatments are more readily visible in thin section, please provide information on these surface treatments in that portion of the database.
注意：虽然陶衣（例如化妆土）和打磨是可以被肉眼观察到的，但这些特征时常难以被准确确认。因此，请用岩相学的方式对陶器切片进行观察，并将信息记录在岩相学的信息库中。

• COLOR: Please note the general color of the sherd. If the sherd varies between the inside and outside, please list the external color/internal color, such as Grey/Orange. While we realize color is highly subjective, photos provided will hopefully help clarify this section.
  颜色：请记录陶片的整体颜色。如果陶片内外颜色不一，请分别记录陶片外壁和内壁的颜色，比如灰色/橙色。对颜色的预估不可避免存在主观性，器物照片可以一定程度上弥补这种不足。
• VESSEL TYPE: When known, please provide information on the type of vessel from which a sherd was taken for your sample. While terminology varies greatly between regions and time periods, please try to use terminology that is common in the literature for your region.
  器型：如果可推测出陶片所属器型，请在此记录。由于器型的术语在不同地区不同时期差异很大，请以在您样品地区和时期较为普遍的术语为标准进行描述。
• SHERD PHOTO REFERENCE: This alphanumeric will connect your entries in this table to the photos you have provided.
  陶片照片编号：采用字母数字型编号，统计表中的编号要与您提供的照片编号对应。
• EXTERNAL PHOTO: Please provide one or two photos of the whole sherd from which the thin section was made.
  陶片样品照片：请在此提供一到二张用来做切片的陶片整体的照片
• PICTOMICROGRAPH: Please provide between one and five photos from your thin section. Ideally, please provide a mixture of polarized and cross-polarized images at various scales. Please also provide a scale bar in each photo.
  显微照片：每个切片请提供一到五张岩相照片。尤其要提供不同倍率下的单偏光、正交偏光照片，每个照片都要加上比例尺。
• REFERENCE/CONTACT: Here we will record information on how to contact the individual or project members who have submitted each sample. While this database serves as a reference for ceramic petrography being undertaken across China, we know that to accurately compare samples simple descriptions, data counts, and images are not enough. We hope that this database will allow you to get in touch with petrographers from across the region in order to more directly compare and share data.
  参考和联系信息：请在此记录提供样品人员的联系方式。尽管这个资料库是用来提供中国陶片岩相学研究参考信息的，但是仅依靠对比样品的简单描述、统计和照相是不够精确的。我们希望您可以通过这个资料库提供的描述和信息，亲自联系样品的提供者，从而进行更加直接的讨论以及信息共享。

Qualitative Categories 定性分析分类：

For percentage estimates, consult the chart in Terry, R.D.; Chilingarian, G.V. 1955. Summary of "Concerning some additional aids in studying sedimentary formations" by M.S. Shvetsov. Journal of Sedimentary Petrology 25: 229-234.
关于成分百分比的评估，请参照：in Terry, R.D.; Chilingarian, G.V. 1955. Summary of "Concerning some additional aids in studying sedimentary formations" by M.S. Shvetsov. Journal of Sedimentary Petrology 25: 229-234.

• Q CLAY: Estimated percentage amount of clay (grain size ≤0.002 mm).
  黏土含量：估测黏土的比例（颗粒粒径≤0.002mm）
• Q SILT: Estimated percentage amount of silt (grain size 0.002-0.063 mm).
  粉砂含量：估测粉砂的比例（颗粒粒径：0.002-0.063mm）
• Q FINE SAND: Estimated percentage amount of fine sand (grain size 0.063-0.25 mm)
  细砂含量：估测细砂的比例（颗粒粒径：0.063-0.25mm）
• Q SAND: Estimated percentage amount of sand (grain size 0.25-2.0 mm)
  砂子含量：估测砂子的比例（颗粒粒径：0.25-2.0mm）
• TEMPER: Please mark as Yes/No/Unclear depending on the presence, absence, or ambiguity of human added inclusions in the paste.
  孱和料：请在此记录：有/无/不确定。请以样品中是否有人为添加物为准。
• Q TEMPER: Estimated percentage amount of temper (temper is usually distinguished from natural inclusions based on the more pronounced angularity of the anthropogenic inclusions; if in doubt then fill in “unclear” under TEMPER and leave the Q TEMPER blank)
  孱和料数量：预估孱和料的百分比 （孱和料一般与自然夹杂物有所区别：孱和料一般形态更加尖锐。如果不能确定是否为孱和料，请标注“不确定”并在孱和料数量下留白）
• MAX GRAIN SIZE: Maximum grain size of largest inclusion.
  最大颗粒物：测量最大颗粒物的大小并记录
• AVG MAX GRAIN INCLUSIONS: average maximum grain size of large inclusions (measurements taken on all inclusions above fine sand size visible in thin-section and averaged out).
  最大颗粒物平均值：最大颗粒物的平均数值（请取细沙大小以上的所有颗粒物的平均值）
• OPTICAL ACTIVITY: Is the fabric of the sample optically active? Please record as active, moderately active, or inactive.
  旋光度：样品的材质是否有旋光性？请记录非常旋光、中等旋光或者不旋光。
• SORTING: Please record whether inclusions in the sample are: well-sorted; moderately sorted; poorly sorted; very poorly sorted (consult Quinn, Patrick S. 2013. Ceramic petrography: the interpretation of archaeological pottery and related artefacts in thin section. Oxford: Archaeopress: Fig. 4.15). This refers to the natural inclusions.
  分选状况：记录陶器胎体包含物是否：分选较好、中度分选、分选较差；分选极差（参考Quinn, Patrick S. 2013. Ceramic petrography: the interpretation of archaeological pottery and related artefacts in thin section. Oxford: Archaeopress: Fig. 4.15）。注意此处记录对象为陶器的自然包含物。
• DISTRIBUTION: Please record whether temper in the sample is distributed regularly or irregularly using the categories: well-homogenized; sufficiently homogenized; poorly homogenized (please use the same chart as for sorting).
  孱和料的分布状况：请在此处形容您样品中的孱和料是否均匀，请参考以下分类：非常均匀，相对均匀，不均匀（请利用统一的分类图表）
• MAX VOID SIZE: How large is the largest void in the sample?
  最大孔隙尺寸：样品中最大的孔隙是多大？
• AVERAGE VOID SIZE: How large are the voids in the sample on average?
  孔隙的平均值：样品中孔隙的平均值？
• VOID SHAPE: Please record whether the majority of voids are: angular; subangular; subrounded; rounded. For a description of each category please see Whitbread (1995, P. 380, Table A3.3) for a description of each category.
  孔隙形状：请在此记录大部分的孔隙是否为：有棱角的、相对有棱角的、相对圆润的和圆润的。请参照Whitbread (1995, P. 380, Table A3.3)来描述每个类型的孔隙的形状。
• INCLUSION SHAPE: Please record whether most inclusions are: angular; subangular; subrounded; rounded.
  颗粒物形状：请在此记录颗粒物的形状是否为有棱角的、相对有棱角的、相对圆润的、圆润的。
• FREQUENT INCLUSIONS: Please record which inclusions are most frequently seen in the sample.
  频繁出现的颗粒物：请在此记录哪些颗粒物在此样品中最常见。
• COMMON INCLUSIONS: Please record which inclusions are commonly seen in the sample.
  常见颗粒物：请在此记录有哪些颗粒物较常见。
• RARE INCLUSIONS: Please record which inclusions are rarely seen in the sample.
  罕见颗粒物：请在此记录有哪些颗粒物是不常见的。
• SLIP/BURNISH: Record whether any slipping or burnishing observed on the sherd.
  陶衣/磨光：记录陶片表面是否存在陶衣或磨光装饰。
• POSTDEPOSITIONAL NOTES: Record whether you have seen any inclusions or concretions, such as calcite, that appear to have developed after the sherd was deposited in the ground.
  后期埋藏记录：记录是否观察到在陶器埋藏之后形成的包含物或者沉积物，例如方解石。
• LOCAL FABRIC GROUP: Based on your assessment of the types and amounts of inclusions, as well as any other petrographic work that has been done in the region, please classify the sample into a specific fabric group. If no previous work has been done in your region, or if you sample does not match any previously identified groups, please provide a group name to classify the sample. Additional information on your classification technique can be provided in the Notes category.
  本地陶器构成群组：根据对包含物类型和数量进行评估，并且结合该区域其它岩相学工作，请将样品划分到具体的陶器构成群组。如果您所在区域以前没有做过任何工作，或者您的样品与先前确定的任何群组都不匹配，请提供组群名称对样品进行分类。可以在“注释”中提供有关分类技术的其它信息。
• GEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION: If you can confidently relate the ceramic paste to a specific geological formation or general rock type please note that here.
  相关地质信息：如果您可以确定陶胎与特定地质构造或一般岩石类型相关，请在此处记录。
• NOTES: Here you can note any additional information about the sample that is not provided in another category.
  注释：这里你可以记录未在其它类别中未提供的有关样本的所有信息

Quantitative Categories 定量分析分类:

For detailed information on how to undertake point counting on ceramic thin sections please see Stoltman (1989; 1991; 2001) for detailed information on each step in this methodology. Between 120 and 300 points should be counted for each thin section. While you may record many metrics for each point, in the Quantitative section we will only be including percentage amounts from each category. Additional information can be provided in the Qualitative section.
对于如何进行岩相学点统计分析，请参考Stoltman（1989; 1991; 2001）中的具体信息。点统计过程中，每个切片应统计120-300个点为宜。虽然每个点你都可以记录多个方面的信息，但在“定量”分析环节，我们仅涉及每个类别的比例，其他相关信息可见于定性分析部分。

• MATRIX%: Percentage of points that are identified as clay matrix.
  基质百分比：陶土基质的计数百分比
• SILT%: Percentage of points that are identified as minerals up to 0.0625mm in size.
  粉砂百分比：陶胎中粒度大小可达0.0625的矿物颗粒所占的百分比。
• SAND%: Percentage of points that are thought to be natural inclusions from .0625mm and above in size. If you record individual size categories it is suggested that you follow Stoltman’s (1989) classification system: fine (.0625-.25mm), medium (.25-.5mm), coarse (.5-1mm), very coarse (1-2mm), and gravel (>2mm).
  砂子百分比：粒度上大于0.0625的自然包含物所占的百分比。如果想记录具体的粒度类别，建议遵循Stoltman（1989）的分类系统：细砂（.0625-.25mm），中砂（.25-.5mm），粗砂（.5-1mm），大粗砂（1- 2mm）和砾石（> 2mm）。
• TEMPER%: Percentage of points that are thought to be human-added inclusions. If you cannot distinguish between natural and human added inclusions please make a note of this in the Notes category and leave the temper section empty.
  孱和料百分比：被认为是人为孱和料的计数百分比。如果您无法区分自然添加的和人为添加的包含物，请在“注释”中记录，并将“孱和料”部分留为空白。
• VOID%: Percentage of points that fall on voids in the thin section.
  气孔百分比：切片中气孔的计数百分比。

Current Disposition of the Physical Collection:

All thin section samples belong to the entity controlling the original ceramic sherds from which the samples were taken unless otherwise noted on the sample page. Due to the ongoing nature of research, samples may currently be in the possession of contributing researchers; otherwise they will be housed alongside the original sherds. A note of location will be provided for each sample. Currently all samples listed above are in the possession of Andrew Womack.

About the Authors:

Andrew Womack is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Asian Studies at Furman University. His research focuses on using geophysical survey, excavation, and ceramic analysis to explore craft production, identity, and interaction in late Neolithic and early Bronze Age northwestern China. He is Associate Director of the Tao River Archaeology Project and the creator and editor of the China Ceramic Petrography Database.

Anke Hein is Peter Moores Associate Professor in Chinese Archaeology at Oxford University.

Lu Qingyu (陆青玉) is currently a postdoctoral scholar in the School of History and Culture at Shandong University. His research focuses on the use of pottery analysis and social network analysis to explore prehistoric economic and cultural exchanges in the Shandong region of China.

Yahui He is currently a PhD candidate in Chinese Archaeology at Stanford University, focusing on ancient foodways and pottery function by employing microbotoanical analysis (starch, phytolith).

Yuyang Wang is a Ph.D. student in Chinese Archaeology at Stanford University, he focuses on Neolithic China with interests in craft production, technological developments, and migration patterns.

Contact Information

Andrew Womack, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Asian Studies
224c Furman Hall
Furman University
Greenville, SC 29613
Email: andrew.womack@furman.edu