Papers by Gabriele Puschnigg
Daghmehchi, M., Priestman, S.M.N., Puschnigg, G., et al. 2022: In E.W. Sauer, J. Nokandeh & H. Omrani Rekavandi (eds.) Ancient Arms Race: Antiquity’s Largest Fortresses and Sasanian Military Networks of Northern Iran. British Institute of Persian Studies Monograph Series VII, Oxbow: Oxford, 475-551.
The Oasis of Bukhara. Volume 3: Material Culture, Socio-territorial Features, Archaeozoology and Archaeometry, 2024
This chapter presents an overview and initial evaluation of the ceramic material found at sites t... more This chapter presents an overview and initial evaluation of the ceramic material found at sites that were excavated by the MAFOUB in the Bukhara Oasis between 2011 and 2018. Assessments and findings are preliminary but nonetheless reflect on the major typo-chronological features and technological variations of the pottery within the oasis. The chronological depth of the material, as well as its spatial distribution, allow us to gain important insights into the dynamics of economic and cultural development, which currently has not been subject to a single systematic study.
From the Kopet Dagh to the Oxus. Exploring Ancient Central Asia, 2023
Ancient Merv was an urban space in constant transformation, but the Parthian era signified a spec... more Ancient Merv was an urban space in constant transformation, but the Parthian era signified a special, pivotal moment for the city’s further development. In the archaeological record related to this period, we find for the first time primary evidence, such as locally minted coin issues, shedding light on the political and administrative status of Merv. Substantial shifts are also noticeable in the local material culture reflecting changes in patterns of consumption. In the present contribution, I
trace individual aspects of these developments selecting a number of examples from the archaeological evidence to define general trends and attempt to interpret their significance. Pottery assemblages are once more of particular interest in this regard. Changes affected individual parts of the repertoire differently. While single vessel types developed slowly from early Parthian times onwards and continued into the Sasanian period, others gradually disappeared, and new stylistic features emerged during
the first centuries of the Common Era but became dominant only in Sasanian times.
Key words: Merv, Parthian period, Archaeology, Pottery, Central Asia.
Archaeological Research in Asia
Ceramic studies at Merv have a long tradition and include distinct academic schools and diverse a... more Ceramic studies at Merv have a long tradition and include distinct academic schools and diverse analytical approaches. In this contribution, I critically evaluate research strategies and the analysis of data generated from the international field work and excavations of the 1990s and early 2000s. My original study of the ceramics from these excavations focused on quantitative and statistical methods of analysis to gain insights into the chronological and stylistic developments of this large and rich assemblage. In the present paper, I take a different stance, highlighting individual observations that were left out of the initial examination to provide a complementary perspective on the pottery but also to illustrate the constraints emerging from the way the material was recorded and documented. These observations are related to aspects of vessel shaping, surface treatments, decorative features and incised marks, which are further situated within the wider context of Central Asian ceramics.
Cultures in Contact. Central Asia as Focus of Trade, Cultural Exchange and Knowledge Transmission, 2022
In this paper, we focus on the corpus of pottery found in the recent excavations of the Franco-Uz... more In this paper, we focus on the corpus of pottery found in the recent excavations of the Franco-Uzbek archaeological mission in the Bukhara oasis and, in particular, in the sites of Ramitan, Site 250, Kakishtuvan, and Iskijkat, located in the central, north-western, and eastern sectors of the oasis, respectively. Within these assemblages, we select some individual shapes, surface treatments, and decorations that have proved to be significant in the ceramic data recorded so far. This selection can provide an overview of the characteristics of the ceramic complexes used/re-used over time in the different sectors of the oasis.
Manufacturers and Markets. The Contributions of Hellenistic Pottery to Economies Large and Small. IARPotHP 4 , 2022
The Sirvan valley, a river landscape in the central Zagros area, was part of a road system linkin... more The Sirvan valley, a river landscape in the central Zagros area, was part of a road system linking the Mesopotamian lowlands with the Iranian plateau. At an equal distance between Hamadan in the north and Susa in the south, Sirvan constitutes a crossroads of various cultural spheres providing a good case study to analyze their potential influence on the local pottery assemblages. Material from the initial surface surveys conducted in the valley shows a heterogeneous mix of conventional, regional and cosmopolitan elements. The make-up of the ceramic
assemblages related to the period following Achamenid rule overall corresponds to the established concept of regional distribution in Iranian pottery tradition. Innovative processes within the regional pottery design, though, seem to be reflective of developments elsewhere. Sporadic
occurrences of diagnostic Hellenistic ceramic types again highlight interregional communication and exchange, although such finds appear to remain exceptions in the local repertoire. This paper examines diagnostic features of the Sirvan ceramic assemblage in the light of ongoing
discussions about the Hellenistic period in Iran.
Archaeological Research in Asia 31, 2022
Ceramic studies at Merv have a long tradition and include distinct academic schools and diverse a... more Ceramic studies at Merv have a long tradition and include distinct academic schools and diverse analytical approaches. In this contribution, I critically evaluate research strategies and the analysis of data generated from the international field work and excavations of the 1990s and early 2000s. My original study of the ceramics from these excavations focused on quantitative and statistical methods of analysis to gain insights into the chronological and stylistic developments of this large and rich assemblage. In the present paper, I take a different stance, highlighting individual observations that were left out of the initial examination to provide a complementary perspective on the pottery but also to illustrate the constraints emerging from the way the material was recorded and documented. These observations are related to aspects of vessel shaping, surface treatments, decorative features and incised marks, which are further situated within the wider context of Central Asian ceramics.
Korasan-Namak. Essays on the Archaeology, History, and Architecture of Khorasan in Honour of Rajabali Labbaf-Khaniki, 2022
Archaeological Research in Asia, 2022
Ceramic assemblages from the Bukhara Oasis show an interesting mix of vessel forms and decorative... more Ceramic assemblages from the Bukhara Oasis show an interesting mix of vessel forms and decorative styles, specifically in pre-Islamic times. Some elements of the tableware bear resemblance to material from adjacent regions in the south-west and south-east, including Margiana and Bactria, while others, specifically the storage vessels, appear to be inspired by the north-west or eastern areas, such as Khoresm and Chach. Surface coatings and slip paint proved to be highly significant in identifying these distinct cultural links.
Drawing upon samples from the recent excavations by the MAFOUB project, this paper will trace the various cultural strains through analyzing the use of slip and slip-paint as an exemplary feature in the ceramic assemblages of the Bukhara Oasis from antiquity to the early Islamic period. Individual decorative patterns appear to be restricted to certain parts of the vessel repertoire. While coated vessels firmly belong to the tableware inventory, cursory applied slip paint with drizzling effects is mostly observed on containers and storage jars. Some slip painted decorations illustrate the considerable variation this technique enjoyed within the Bukhara Oasis.
Our diachronic study highlights these diversities and follows the implied cultural alliances to shed light on Bukhara's position and role within the Central Asian neighborhood.
The Graeco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek World, 2020
BASOR, 2019
From the Seleucid period onward, substantial transformations occurred in the ceramic assemblages ... more From the Seleucid period onward, substantial transformations occurred in the ceramic assemblages from Qizlar Qalʾeh on the Gorgan Plain and ancient Merv (modern Gyaur Kala). Using quantitative and archaeometric analyses, we assess and compare modifications in vessel repertoires, production techniques, and material sources across both sites to understand the nature and chronology of these changes. Similar technological developments are observed at Qizlar Qalʾeh and Merv, and are examined with regard to a potential Hellenistic reception in the ceramic material. Variations in the chronological distribution of innovations and assemblage composition help us to elucidate the neighborhood relations between eastern Iran and western Central Asia at this time. Our comparisons point toward a common cultural environment for both sites especially during the Early Parthian period, which is demonstrated in the many analogies of manufacturing techniques and vessel shapes. At the same time, we see different continuing local traditions, highlighting the flexible mode in which ceramic repertoires are adapted to the changing requirements under Hellenistic rule. Keywords: Seleucid ceramics; Parthian ceramics; Hellenistic Iran; Hellenistic period; Central Asia
Afghanistan, 2019
Regions play an important part in scholarly discussions on Hellenistic Central Asia. Most commonl... more Regions play an important part in scholarly discussions on Hellenistic Central Asia. Most commonly the concept of regions is determined by historically testified administrative entities. They also form the basis for many art-historical and archaeological considerations which seek to define specific regional characteristics. At the same time, such qualities are often used to define regional boundaries or elucidate political relationships. Taking the perspective of ceramic evidence, we highlight the complexities of interpreting pottery assemblages with regard to regional identities and interregional variations. Examining the different properties of ceramics, including their form, surface appearance and decoration, we demonstrate how changeable the notion of 'region' can be in this context. Distinct criteria and even minor chronological variations lead to the description of different regions, showing that we should use such definitions with care.
Afarin Nameh: Essays on the Archaeology of Iran in Honour of Mehdi Rahbar, 2019
Abstract: Pottery used in daily life is normally connected with local traditions. This applies ve... more Abstract: Pottery used in daily life is normally connected with local traditions. This applies very much to the ceramic production of Central Asia and Western Iran. At times of intensive economic and cultural exchange, though, and in a cosmopolitan environment, local pottery
types often adopt inter-regional traits, which are recognisable as common elements in the different ceramic repertoires. The present contribution highlights individual examples for such inter-regional features in pottery assemblages of Hellenistic to Parthian date, from the distant regions of Marw in present day Turkmenistan to Sirvan in western Iran. Similarities between these assemblages relate to vessel morphology, while surface treatments and decorative techniques
mostly differ, and follow more regional schemes. The common shapes show connections to Achaemenid Iranian pottery on the one hand, and Hellenistic ceramic design on the other. Originating from two distinct sources, these disparate traditions were both integrated into a
new pottery repertoire, which partly reflected continuations from the preceding era, but at the same time illustrated a new self-perception, which facilitated the incorporation of the diverse cultural strands palpable in the cosmopolitan world of the Hellenistic to Parthian periods.
in A. Peignard Giros (ed.) Daily Life in a Cosmopolitan World: Pottery and Culture During the Hellenistic Period. IARPotHP 2, 2019
TRADITIONS AND INNOVATIONS Tracking the Development of Pottery from the Late Classical to the Early Imperial Periods , 2016
Discussions on Hellenistic pottery assemblages from the East largely rest on the study of fine wa... more Discussions on Hellenistic pottery assemblages from the East largely rest on the study of fine ware or tableware. The following paper will focus on coarse wares for two reasons. First, apart from petrographic analyses, coarse wares were never studied in due detail, as they are a relatively small, yet diverse group of pottery. Second, part of the coarse ware vessels were most probably used for cooking. The study of the potential cooking pots is thus a natural and necessary amendment to the analysis of tableware. Much has been written on the
Networks in the Hellenistic World: According to the pottery in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond, 2013
Comprehensive changes occur in the ceramic production of early Hellenistic Merv (Antiochia in Mar... more Comprehensive changes occur in the ceramic production of early Hellenistic Merv (Antiochia in Margiana). Quantitative data demonstrate in particular the increased the introduction of many new and characteristic shapes, the heterogeneous ceramic traditions. At the same time no distinct and independent repertoires are discernible. Merv and its oasis appear to have a consistent ceramic design. The observed transformation suggests a continuous restructuring process taking account of the various currents in cultural behaviour present in the city and its hinterland, rather than the mere import of an already canonical concept of dining habits. Beyond the repercussions expected for the re-organisation of an urban centre, the ceramic evidence from Merv raises the question of the possible impact of imperial policies in a regional context.
Parthica, 2008
Si prega di inviare manoscritti, dattiloscritti e stampati e la posta redazionale al seguente ind... more Si prega di inviare manoscritti, dattiloscritti e stampati e la posta redazionale al seguente indirizzo: dott. Carlo Lippolis, Dipartimento di Scienze Antropologiche, Archeologiche e Storico-Territoriali, Via Giolitti 21/e, i 10123 Torino. I testi originali di contributi e/o recensioni sottoposti all'attenzione della redazione scientifica non saranno restituiti. * Per la migliore riuscita delle pubblicazioni, si invitano gli autori ad attenersi, nel predisporre i materiali da consegnare alla redazione ed alla casa editrice, alle norme specificate nel volume Fabrizio Serra, Regole editoriali, tipografiche & redazionali, Pisa-Roma, Istituti editoriali e poligrafici internazionali, 2004. (ordini a: iepi@iepi.it). Il capitolo «Norme redazionali», estratto dalle Regole, cit., è consultabile Online alla pagina «Pubblicare con noi» di www.libraweb.net. * Registrazione presso il Tribunale di Pisa n. 12 del 21 luglio 1999
Uploads
Papers by Gabriele Puschnigg
trace individual aspects of these developments selecting a number of examples from the archaeological evidence to define general trends and attempt to interpret their significance. Pottery assemblages are once more of particular interest in this regard. Changes affected individual parts of the repertoire differently. While single vessel types developed slowly from early Parthian times onwards and continued into the Sasanian period, others gradually disappeared, and new stylistic features emerged during
the first centuries of the Common Era but became dominant only in Sasanian times.
Key words: Merv, Parthian period, Archaeology, Pottery, Central Asia.
assemblages related to the period following Achamenid rule overall corresponds to the established concept of regional distribution in Iranian pottery tradition. Innovative processes within the regional pottery design, though, seem to be reflective of developments elsewhere. Sporadic
occurrences of diagnostic Hellenistic ceramic types again highlight interregional communication and exchange, although such finds appear to remain exceptions in the local repertoire. This paper examines diagnostic features of the Sirvan ceramic assemblage in the light of ongoing
discussions about the Hellenistic period in Iran.
Drawing upon samples from the recent excavations by the MAFOUB project, this paper will trace the various cultural strains through analyzing the use of slip and slip-paint as an exemplary feature in the ceramic assemblages of the Bukhara Oasis from antiquity to the early Islamic period. Individual decorative patterns appear to be restricted to certain parts of the vessel repertoire. While coated vessels firmly belong to the tableware inventory, cursory applied slip paint with drizzling effects is mostly observed on containers and storage jars. Some slip painted decorations illustrate the considerable variation this technique enjoyed within the Bukhara Oasis.
Our diachronic study highlights these diversities and follows the implied cultural alliances to shed light on Bukhara's position and role within the Central Asian neighborhood.
types often adopt inter-regional traits, which are recognisable as common elements in the different ceramic repertoires. The present contribution highlights individual examples for such inter-regional features in pottery assemblages of Hellenistic to Parthian date, from the distant regions of Marw in present day Turkmenistan to Sirvan in western Iran. Similarities between these assemblages relate to vessel morphology, while surface treatments and decorative techniques
mostly differ, and follow more regional schemes. The common shapes show connections to Achaemenid Iranian pottery on the one hand, and Hellenistic ceramic design on the other. Originating from two distinct sources, these disparate traditions were both integrated into a
new pottery repertoire, which partly reflected continuations from the preceding era, but at the same time illustrated a new self-perception, which facilitated the incorporation of the diverse cultural strands palpable in the cosmopolitan world of the Hellenistic to Parthian periods.
trace individual aspects of these developments selecting a number of examples from the archaeological evidence to define general trends and attempt to interpret their significance. Pottery assemblages are once more of particular interest in this regard. Changes affected individual parts of the repertoire differently. While single vessel types developed slowly from early Parthian times onwards and continued into the Sasanian period, others gradually disappeared, and new stylistic features emerged during
the first centuries of the Common Era but became dominant only in Sasanian times.
Key words: Merv, Parthian period, Archaeology, Pottery, Central Asia.
assemblages related to the period following Achamenid rule overall corresponds to the established concept of regional distribution in Iranian pottery tradition. Innovative processes within the regional pottery design, though, seem to be reflective of developments elsewhere. Sporadic
occurrences of diagnostic Hellenistic ceramic types again highlight interregional communication and exchange, although such finds appear to remain exceptions in the local repertoire. This paper examines diagnostic features of the Sirvan ceramic assemblage in the light of ongoing
discussions about the Hellenistic period in Iran.
Drawing upon samples from the recent excavations by the MAFOUB project, this paper will trace the various cultural strains through analyzing the use of slip and slip-paint as an exemplary feature in the ceramic assemblages of the Bukhara Oasis from antiquity to the early Islamic period. Individual decorative patterns appear to be restricted to certain parts of the vessel repertoire. While coated vessels firmly belong to the tableware inventory, cursory applied slip paint with drizzling effects is mostly observed on containers and storage jars. Some slip painted decorations illustrate the considerable variation this technique enjoyed within the Bukhara Oasis.
Our diachronic study highlights these diversities and follows the implied cultural alliances to shed light on Bukhara's position and role within the Central Asian neighborhood.
types often adopt inter-regional traits, which are recognisable as common elements in the different ceramic repertoires. The present contribution highlights individual examples for such inter-regional features in pottery assemblages of Hellenistic to Parthian date, from the distant regions of Marw in present day Turkmenistan to Sirvan in western Iran. Similarities between these assemblages relate to vessel morphology, while surface treatments and decorative techniques
mostly differ, and follow more regional schemes. The common shapes show connections to Achaemenid Iranian pottery on the one hand, and Hellenistic ceramic design on the other. Originating from two distinct sources, these disparate traditions were both integrated into a
new pottery repertoire, which partly reflected continuations from the preceding era, but at the same time illustrated a new self-perception, which facilitated the incorporation of the diverse cultural strands palpable in the cosmopolitan world of the Hellenistic to Parthian periods.