KERKYRA - Taxiarchis - 2006

Taxiarchis, Ano Korakiana (property of A. Tzaphesta-Nikolouzou). G. Metallinou (Η’ ΕΠΚΑ) reports the discovery of a Bronze Age site, with activity focused in the Middle and early Late Bronze Age. Below the surface level lay a 0.4-0.6m-thick dark brown layer (II) rich in archaeological material. Its base was surrounded by five concentrations of fieldstones and pebbles within and over which were large quantities of portable finds. The two largest concentrations (1 = 3.2 x 3.9m, and T3 = 2.25 x 1m) were bedded on a layer of sterile red earth. The three other concentrations, at the south of the plot, were much smaller (2 = 1.4 x 0.65m, 3 = 1.7 x 0.95m, 4 = 2.2 x 0.5m) and were bedded on yellow sandy clay (the natural surface). Pottery was the largest category of find: 60% of sherds were storage and cooking vessels of Dakaris’ handmade category KII, decorated with plastic bands and impressed patterns. KIII sherds formed ca. 10% of the total, comprising medium and small plain vessels (kantharoi and cups). A distinctive category attested at Hermones is handmade in a clear orange fabric: with the attrition of inclusions, this fabric was also used for storage vessels of the same shape as those in KII as well as small fine vessels. A large quantity of chipped and ground stone was also found, as well as terracotta spindlewhorls and birds, masses of clay, animal bones, and a bone artifact with incised decoration.

It is suggested these concentrations of finds may be refuse deposits.