Assessing petrographic variability and regional connections in Medieval and Modern Catalonian Greyware Pottery: Insights from geochemical analysis

Abstract

Greyware pottery, ubiquitous in most of archaeological contexts in Medieval Catalonia (northwestern Spain), attests to a longstanding tradition of production that adapted to social and economic transformations, enduring from the late Roman period until today in the form of artisanal and traditional products. This study explores regional connections in medieval and modern greyware pottery production and distribution areas in Catalonia through petrographic examination and geochemical analysis. A dataset of 74 samples was selected for wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF) analysis from an extensive assemblage previously examined via thin-section petrography. The primary objectives were to determine the geochemical composition of the samples, obtain further evidence of the meaningful character of the petrographic groups, and ultimately to examine how these two sources of information (petrography and chemistry) converge to reinforce the group definitions or diverge to reveal new dimensions of variability. At the same time, we want to explore regional connections, particularly regarding fabrics found in the area of Les Gavarres. Significant correlations between geochemical compositions and petrographic classifications further reinforces the validity of the previously defined petrographic groups. The findings reveal regional patterns, suggesting connections between the eastern region and other consumption centres in coastal and central Catalonia, providing new insights for studying technological practices and cultural transfer, and enhancing our understanding of utilitarian greyware pottery production and distribution dynamics over centuries.