This study focuses on the investigation of the chemical composition and technological characteristics of ceramic materials dating to the Late Bronze–Early Iron Age (12th–8th centuries BC) from the Chovdar necropolis, located in western Azerbaijan. Within the scope of the research, 17 ceramic samples representing five archaeological sites were analysed using the PED-XRF method. The distribution of major oxides and selected trace elements was evaluated in order to assess raw material provenance and production technologies.

The analytical results indicate that all samples are generally aluminosilicate-based materials. The dominance of SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ confirms that the raw materials primarily consisted of clay minerals and quartz components. Elevated MgO and CaO contents observed in several samples suggest the use of carbonate- and magnesium-rich additives, which likely influenced the thermal behaviour and firing properties of the ceramics. The relatively stable distribution of Fe₂O₃ reflects the use of locally available, iron-rich raw materials.

The behaviour of trace elements (including Ni, Cr, Sr, Ba, Zr, Pb, Sb, Sn, among others) reveals both shared geochemical signatures and local anomalies. Conceptual PCA and cluster-based interpretations demonstrate that the samples can be broadly divided into two principal geochemical groups: one representing typical aluminosilicate-based ceramics, and the other characterised by carbonate–magnesium influence. A pronounced enrichment in Pb, Sb, and Sn observed in one specific sample suggests a functional or technological context associated with metal-related activities.Overall, the results indicate that ceramic production at the Chovdar necropolis was not based on a single, uniform technological tradition but rather involved diverse raw material choices and production strategies. This variability reflects the technological complexity and specialised production practices characteristic of the Late Bronze–Early Iron Age communities in the region.

First Author: Lola Ekber

Keywords:
Chovdar Necropolis
Late Bronze–Early Iron Age
Ceramic Technology
PED-XRF Analysis
Geochemical Provenance
Multivariate Analysis (PCA)