THERA Akrotiri - 2008

Thera. Akrotiri. C. Doumas (ASA) reports on a further study season and continuing conservation of the wall-paintings. Work on the Panel of the Large Spirals was completed. Study of the MCyc pottery was concluded, with the intention of proceeding to speedy publication.
Additionally, pottery studies focused on material from building B, from sector A, and on imports of the LCyc period. Petrographical and chemical analyses were undertaken on the pottery to provide data on technological change between the ECyc and MCyc periods, and for the study of the techniques of manufacture and use of cooking vessels of the ECyc, MCyc and LCyc periods.
Study continued of the mostly inorganic pigments which have so far been found on some 500 utensils: local preparation and use of red and yellow pigments of lead oxide (lithargyros) and of white from cerusite (white lead) or hydrocerusite. The identification of riebeckite makes it almost certain that one of the blue colours which were used in the wall paintings was produced on site. The large quantity of pulverized quartz and pieces of faience paste found at Akrotiri demonstrate the probability that the many and varied faience objects found here were products of a local workshop.
Study of the obsidian found in the cuttings for the supports for the new roof proceeds, with some 18,457 pieces catalogued.
Study of the osteological material has filled out the picture of the wildlife of PH Thera; a significant proportion of the remains belong to small animals, especially rodents. Phytoliths indicate the use of papyrus plants of the genus cyperaceae, known to have been used in anc. Egypt for the manufacture of rope, baskets etc.