WEAVING AND MAT MAKING AT CHALCOLITHIC SMINTHEION (GÜLPINAR)

This essay aims to examine the archaeological evidence representing weaving and mat making at the prehistoric settlement located in the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo Smintheus (Smintheion) in the Troad. Archaeological excavations conducted at the prehistoric settlement dating circa 5000 cal. BC yielded total 960 pieces of pot bases bearing negative imprints of woolen textiles and mats. It is possible to determine to a certain extent what sort of techniques of weaving and mat making techniques were adopted and how these products were used by the Chalcolithic settlers and potters of the site of Smintheion by examining these negative imprints of woven cloths and mats on the bases of pots. Evaluation of these negative imprints on 960 pot bases at Smintheion indicate that simple plaiting (“one underone above”) was the method preferred in weaving treads made of wool, while twill plaiting (“two undertwo above”) and coiling commonly employing wheat stalk and reed were the two most common matting methods adopted at the site. In addition, analysis of negative imprints on pot bases also confirms the use of tree leaves in the steps of pot making. Those two major explaining the presence of negative impressions of woven cloths and mats on pot bases have been examined in light of the new data from Smintheion. Evaluation of archaeological evidence implies that pieces of woven cloth and plaited and coiled mats were often used as a form of primitive turntable by the potters of the site.