Modern and Ancient Pottery Traditions in the el-Zuma and Karima Region in Sudan: An Introduction to Comparative Studies (Pots Project)

The “Pots Project” documents and studies modern pottery workshops in Sudan, in the area of el-Zuma and Karima, which is the core area investigated by the Early Makuria Research Project (EMRP) of the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology University of Warsaw (PCMA) researching the beginnings of the Kingdom of Makuria. This interim presentation discusses observations from two modern workshops in El-Dahasyra and Karima, among others, both making traditional handmade pottery. Documentation of the processes involved, including telltale traces on the vessel surfaces, like impressed textile patterns on bottoms and pebble-beating, have already given insight into ancient pottery production techniques. By comparing these results with the recorded evidence from an abundant assemblage excavated by the EMRP Project in the tumulus tombs of el-Zuma, the authors will be able to point out and discuss the similarities and differences between ancient and modern vessels.