The Predynastic Egyptian Fibrous Ware (Second Half of the Fourth Millennium BC): A Reassessment Based on New Analysis

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a reassessment of the Predynastic Egyptian Fibrous Ware (Naqada IIA–B–Naqada IIIA2–B) diffused in Egypt and beyond. Fibrous Ware is characterised by a particular temper made of long fibres and has been defined as a typical Lower Egyptian ceramic production. The present study is based on the technological analysis of pottery samples from Tell el-Iswid, Tell el-Samara and Tell el-Fara’in/Buto, as well as on bibliographical research into the chronological and geographical diffusion of this ware. The results have shown that Fibrous Ware is characterised by its own unique technological tradition, which differs from the tradition identified for the Lower Egyptian production and is therefore not part of the latter. Finally, as a working hypothesis to be developed in the future, we propose to view this ceramic as the representation of mobile or semi-mobile groups who were located at the fringes of the western Nile Delta.