Analyzing African Red Slip wares in Sicily: a first overview from Cignana and Himera surveys

Abstract

African Red Slip wares (ARS) are among the most common classes found in Sicily and a reliable chronological marker dated from the end of the 1 st to the 7 th century AD. We will here analyse data concerning the ARS wares collected during the Cignana and Himera surveys, carried out by the University of Palermo in northern and southern Sicily. The quantitative approach based on the Minimum Number of Vessels (MNV) allowed us to compare two different areas and therefore to detect differences and similarities in pottery distribution. The interdisciplinary (archaeological/archaeometric) approach helped us to improve the typological identifications of pottery and to identify with precision the origin of the imports. As a consequence, this research will help to enhance the understanding of the trade routes existing between different regions of Tunisia and Sicily during the centuries.