Hands-on study project looks at prehistoric pottery
Story dated: May 3, 2007

A new project to study the science behind prehistoric pottery is launched this weekend.

Archaeologist, Dr Stephen Harrison, has conducted research projects on on Orkney's Neolithic pottery, in particular the Unstan-style pots from the Tomb of the Eagles, South Ronaldsay, and Grooved Ware from Pool on Sanday.

He is joining forces with Andrew Appleby of Fursbreck Pottery in Harray, who has, over the years, conducted a number of experiments in recreating the county’s prehistoric pottery.

Orkney Prehistoric Pottery Research Associates (OPPRA) will be conducting an experiment on the making of Neolithic pottery at Fursbreck Pottery over the two weekends of 5-6 May and 12-13 May.

A small team of potters has been selected to undertake this task, which will also involve the building of a turf kiln, thought to be one of the more likely ways of achieving a good firing.

A test firing will take place on Saturday, May 26, to coincide with a visit to Orkney by members of the Neolithic Studies Group.

The style of pottery chosen for the experiment is Grooved Ware – a later style of pottery in use from c. 3200-2200 BC and associated with Skara Brae and Barnhouse.

Mr Appleby has studied the artistic and functional merits of this type of pottery in depth and is looking forward to putting some of his theories to the test.

The relationship of Grooved Ware to the earlier Unstan vessels is a major part of Dr Harrison's researches.

Clays from Stacklebrae in Eday and from the Clay Loan in Kirkwall, have been selected for the experiment.

Examining and testing Orkney's various clay deposits is an important and revealing part of the work. And, some interesting results from earlier tests have already thrown significant light on some museum collections - such as, for example, the different ways in which Neolithic potters built and decorated their vessels.

Dr Harrison said: "Current knowledge of the development of Neolithic pottery in Orkney is rather limited. This experiment has the potential to shed new light on the technology involved in the manufacture of prehistoric pottery. As such it will make an important contribution to our overall understanding of Neolithic ceramics in the region.”

The team will be holding an open day at Fursbrek Pottery on Sunday, May 13, from 2-6pm.