Dear List,
Having completed several archaeological excavations on sites related to, or in association with silver/lead smelting/refining I continue to be baffled by evidence not found on other sites.
Generally speaking pottery sherds are usually discovered in pieces from 2 to 3cm and upwards in size, either abraded through plough or cultivation damage, or unabraded with clean breaks, usually the break being across the thickness of the pot wall, base or rim.
On sites related to, or in association with silver/lead smelting/refining, I have consistently found sherds not only broken across the thickness, but what appear to be deliberately shattered and splintered into many small pieces of around 1cm and less in size. I have found sherds both of late medieval/post medieval on one excavation, and post medieval/19th century on another in this condition.
I have experimentally dropped ceramic pots, and noted the 'clean' type of break. The only way I have been able to reproduce the shattering and splintered effect is by hitting with a lump hammer or other heavy object.
There is no evidence at all to suggest that these broken sherds were being used in the process of smelting or refining, and this is why I continue to be baffled.
Has anyone come across this situation before, and more importantly can offer an explanation.
Kindest regards,
Trevor
Visit: http://Ndology.blogspot.com for the archaeological news and views of North Devon
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