Archaeometric investigation of Celtic graphitic pottery from two archaeological sites in Hungary more

The use of graphite has a prominent role in pottery making during the La Tène period. The term “graphitic ware” is commonly used for situla-like pots. Extended trade in Celtic times is evidenced by the widespread occurrence of graphite-bearing ceramics, far away from restricted graphite sources.
Graphite-bearing and non-graphitic ceramics were investigated from two Celtic sites, Dunaszentgyörgy 6.sz. főút (LT B2-C1) and Bátaszék-Körtvélyes dűlő (LT D) in South Hungary.
The aim of the research was to compare the characteristics of the graphitic raw material as well as the host vessels found at the two sites and to provide a preliminarily outline about the possible provenance of graphite.
Graphitic ceramics from Dunaszentgyörgy and Bátaszék contain graphite fragments and clasts of graphitic paragneiss. Graphitic rocks with sillimanite and kyanite cannot be found in outcrops in the territory of Hungary. According to the mineralogical composition, the potential source for graphitic (para)gneiss found in the Dunaszentgyörgy and Bátaszék ceramics can be restricted to the Variegated unit of the Moldanubicum zone.