.bk A14
.fl O724jw1.j
.fd special journal for pottery analysis #3
.ei jw
.ed O724
.rd O724
.ri jw

-ns In k4, k13 and k14 we have excavated several living accumulations over pise and pebble/sherd floors, all in strata suggesting they should belong to Phase 3.  In k4, the living accumulations above a pise floor, f213, have yielded a number of restorable clay vessels and grindstones.  In k14, we have discovered the second in a series of pebble and sherd floors, f253, (the pottery from its covering living accumulation, f254, has already been analyzed), which step up about 50cm each to the east from a pebble and sherd floor found in k15 and k25.  In k13 we have discovered the third such floor, f281, which is covered by living accumulation, f280.  Analysis of the pottery from these two loci will help us determine what activities were taking place on them and will help us determine why they were built and rebuilt in the same pattern in the same place.  At the lowest excavaed level of k5, we have discovered an accumulation, f260, which suggests that it was deposited from the drain system of the palace.  The pottery from the bottom of this feature may help us determine if the palace systems were still being used in Phase 3, or if the accumulation was deposited in Phase 2 and therefore gives us a benchmark for the transition to Phase 3, whose material is found in the accumulations above.  Finally, we have contined to excavate one pit that extends into several squares.  Analysis of one lot from the fill, f203, indicates that it was Phase 4.  Now that we have several more lots, it would be useful to confirm the original diagnosis since this is the only benchmark for the transition from Phase 3 to Phase 4.

f 203
df fi
ds Fill from a pit in the NW corner of k14 and several baulks from adjacent squares.
ns Q-lot 483 has been analyzed as Phase 4.  We now have several more lots from this pit obtained during baulk removal.  Lot q713 should be analyzed to confirm the tentative phasing obtained from analysis of the first lot.

f 280
df aa
ds Living accumulation over a pebble and sherd surface, f281, in the east third of k13.
ns This is the highest of three stepped working surfaces found in adjacent loci running from west to east, up to slope to the abi.  Understanding the activities taking place on this surface will help us understand the organization of the sacral precinct at various times.  Pottery from lot q730 should be analyzed.

f 260
df a
ds Greenish-gray accumulation under several Phase 3 accumulations in k5 and resembling the material in the palace drain system seen in the A10 excavations last season.
ns Two drains within twenty meters of this accumulation could have deposited it.  Analysis of the pottery from the lowest levels of this accumualtion should tell us when the drain system was in use and therefore contribute to our understanding of the phasing of the sacral precinct and the functions performed in the areas drained.  As a start, lots q693, q690, and 685 which were taken from the bottom of the feature should be analyzed.

f 278
df aa
ds Living accumulation over a pise floor, f213, in k4 that has yielded a number of restorable vessels, extracted as items.
ns With so many vessels and other artifacts, including grindstones and a small quern, the fragments of the remaining pottery should be useful in determining the function of this large surface which presumably was uncoverd while in use, but nevertheless contained jars and cups resting on it, apparently abandoned.  Lots q712, q721, and q729 should be analyzed.