SINOP MUSEUM

ARCHAIC & CLASSICAL

CERAMICS CATALOGUE

        PROJECT OBJECTIVES are to:
        1. find dated ceramic types for comparison with ceramic fragments found in the field;
        2. locate all possible information regarding findspots, context and condition; and
        3. measure, draw, photograph, describe and identify comparanda for publication.

        THE SINOP MUSEUM COLLECTION
        Most of the ceramic collection is kept within the storeroom in the "depot" in the Museum basement. About 40 are on display within vitrines in the Museum’s public galleries. Direct access to these was not possible in 1997 or 1998, but good study photographs were obtained. Full access to this material will be possible in subsequent seasons.

        The Sinop Museum Archaeological Inventory Notebook (Arkeolojik Envanter Defteri) lists, at least, a brief description and accession date of each vessel. Sometimes the circumstances of acquisition are given including findspot and other information about possible context. This important data will be added to the catalogue entries.

        The Sinop collection includes complete examples in excellent condition, as well as highly abraded or worn examples. Some are only fragments. Both crude and finely executed pieces appear, as do imports and local wares.

        SHAPES:
        Vessel shapes are mostly liquid containers and drinking vessels. A preliminary breakdown includes:
        Liquid Containers: aryballoi, lekythoi; jugs and juglettes; amphoriskoi; alabastrons; askoi; lydia and others.
        Drinking Vessels: small and large kantharoi; kylikes; bowls; skyphoi; and other "cups".

     DECORATION:
        Many have painted decoration, some in black or red figure, a few are polychome.
        Several have incisions, stamped decorations, "potter’s marks" or graffiti.

     FORMAT:
        Catalogue format will follow the Corpus Vasorum Antiquorum.

       PROGRESS TO DATE:

• A short preliminary examination of the ceramics at the Sinop Museum began in August 1997, made possible, in part, by a fellowship from the American Research Institute in Turkey (ARIT).
• Over 150 vessels have been examined, studied and recorded.
• In June and July 1998 Tibor Csank, an archaeology major at Boston University, class of 1999, and Aylin Tuncer, a graduate student at Department of Archaeology, Bilkent Univeristy, Ankara, Türkiye, painstakingly drew over 70 profiles and other diagnostic details
• Ken Mayo, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, provided important assistance with photography and other technical matters. His efforts substantially improved the challenging working conditions in the Sinop Museum basement.
• Black and white and slide film photographs were taken for study and publication.

•  Study and library research will continue in Fall and Winter 1998-99.
• An archive of digitized images (photos and drawings) and preliminary text is planned as part of this page.

Fuat Dereli, Museum Saff Archaeologist.

Aylin Tuncer drawing a vessel.

  Profile Drawing of Vessel.

Corinthian Ball Aryballos.
 
 
 
 
 

         THANKS The project enjoys the support and valuable guidance of İsmail Tatlıcan, Director of the Sinop Musem. Fuat Dereli, Staff Archaeologist at the Sinop Museum, also provided expert assistance and advice. Hale Özen, Staff Art Historian, was also instrumental in the success of this project. Their time and interest in this work is greatly appreciated. The entire Sinop Museum Staff also deserves thanks for the their generous hospitality and warm friendship.
 
 

http://www.upenn.edu/museum/Sinop/SinopIntro.

FRIENDS
http://www.turkishairlines.com/skylife/2702.htm
http://www.france.diplomatie.fr/culture/france/archeologie/turk/plus/plus.html
 
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact: Dave Smart, Clark University
Research Associate, Harvard University Semitic Museum
Smart3@fas.Harvard.edu
430 Broadway Cambridge, MA 02138  Tel: (617) 547-6377
All comments, suggestions and questions are welcome.