Archaeometric analyses of ceramics yield critical insights into ancient societies, elucidating production technologies, raw material sourcing, and firing conditions. The proliferation of such studies allows for both the internal characterization of assemblages and comparative analyses with contemporary finds. This study presents a comprehensive archaeometric characterization of Middle Bronze Age comb-decorated and grooved-rim ceramics from Tilbaşar Mound (Gaziantep). To determine raw material composition and production technologies, the samples were analyzed using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy (thin section), and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). Results indicate that the ceramics were produced using calcareous clay sources. When evaluated alongside the region's geological formation, the data suggest a local provenance for the production. Mineralogical phases identified via XRD indicate a firing temperature range of 700–950°C. Petrographic analysis reveals that the ceramic paste contains inclusions derived from basalt, siltstone, sandstone, and marl. Furthermore, SEM imaging demonstrates a generally low degree of vitrification, with only initial vitrification stages observed in select samples.
Keywords: Tilbaşar Mound, Middle Bronze Age, ceramic archaeometry, characterization