Gray Ware (G)

General Description

Gray ware refers to a specific gray colored ware that was in use during the Khabur (Phase 6) and Mittani (Phase 7) phases. There are other gray wares known, in particular see LGR for Late Chalcolithic Gray ware. During this phase Gray ware is defined by its gray color and fine temper. It is usually burnished on the exterior.

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Characteristics

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Phase 6 - Khabur

Basis for Definition	Vessels found in Khabur strata
Clay Type	Medium to fine with uniform particles, gray on interior and exterior
Temper	Fine sand, fine gypsum, some chaff
Firing	Medium fired to a light to dark gray exterior color
Carbon Core	Found only in thicker shapes
Wall Thickness	About 0.5 cm
Shapes	The typical shape is a medium or small bowl with ribbing below the rim and a ring base (A16q683.4). The ribbing can be either widely spaced on the coarser examples or narrowly spaced in finer examples.
Surface Treatment	burnished on exterior, some examples highly polished with others poorly burnished with spaces left without burnishing. Interior is usually burnished but in some examples it is only scraped.
Decoration	None
Comments	There is a wide range of technical expertise shown in this single bowl shape made exclusively in Gray ware. Some are very fine with others quite coarse.

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Phase 7 - Mittani

Basis for Definition	Mittani Levels in J1 and J5 - see J1b11, J1b14, and J5b10
Clay Type	Gray on interior and exterior
Temper	Chaff, mica and sand temper
Shapes	Round sided bowls Carinated bowls Ring Bases Small round sided bowls are characteristic for coarser gray ware
Surface Treatment	burnished on exterior, some examples highly polished with others poorly burnished with spaces left without burnishing. Interior is also usually burnished. Some space burnished.
Decoration	None
Comments	Wheel-made