The Excavation Record

The provenance of this pottery sherd can be tracked down relatively well for a pottery sherd that was found in the early 20th century by a western archaeologist in Iraq. Back in the day, it was not a common occurrence for archaeologists to scientifically record everything they found. Because of this, future researchers have a difficult time understanding the context and relationship between the site, object and time period. During the early 20th century more archaeologists started recording where they found objects and stressed the importance of simple objects like pottery sherds along with the “pretty” artifacts they also found.

In 1932, a GBP 600 grant was given to the excavation director Professor M.E.L. Mallowan and architect Mr. J. Cruikshank Rose to survey and excavate Tell Arpachiyah. Without the help of an additional 180 locals from across the neighborhood and villages, this excavation might not have revealed the Tell Halaf period, which contained immense records. After excavation, the pottery sherds were brought to the British Museum where they are still on display. Arpachiyah is an interesting site to study even under the considerations of the lack of recorded information compared to modern archaeological practices. The majority of painted pottery excavated from this area is beautiful with systemically painted geometric designs. Besides pottery remains of stone, figurines of lithic and bone were recorded as well.

All together, these three simple pottery sherds, depicting a snake, a leopard and aurochs, effectively reflect the diversity and richness of the environment and culture of Tell Arpachiyah.