Tell el-Dabʿa XIII

Marl C pottery is found at a large number of sites in Egypt, particularly in the Memphis-Fayoum region from which such pottery is presumed to originate. It is as is well-known, a good indicator of the Middle Kingdom and Second Intermediate Period, but in this analysis of shapes, find places and chronological discussion it becomes obvious that Marl C was also utilised both in earlier and later periods, and for a wider variety of vessel types than previously realised. Beginning with the description of Marl C clays and a discussion of their geographical origins, this monograph continues with a catalogue of all known Marl C pottery types. The majority of the vessels illustrated derive from graves, temple precincts and settlements areas at Tell el-Dabʿs, with further examples drawn from Memphis/Kom Rabi’a, Lisht and Dahschur. That such pottery is also found in Sinai, other parts of Egypt and Nubia points to a complex system of internal trade which is also touched upon in this study.