Characteristics of White Shaved Ware

• Extremely thin walls, often less than 2mm thick
• Light-colored clay body, typically ranging from white to pale yellow
• Surface treated by "shaving" with a sharp tool, creating a distinctive texture
• Common forms include bowls, jugs, and small jars
• Minimal to no painted decoration

Historical Significance

White Shaved ware represents a significant technological achievement in Cypriot pottery production. The extreme thinness of the vessels showcases the potters' skill and control over their craft. This ware type is primarily associated with funerary contexts, suggesting its importance in burial rituals and beliefs about the afterlife in Bronze Age Cyprus.

Distribution and Trade

While primarily produced and used in Cyprus, examples of White Shaved ware have been found in archaeological sites across the Eastern Mediterranean, including parts of the Levant and Egypt. This distribution pattern provides evidence for the extensive trade networks and cultural connections between Cyprus and its neighbors during the Late Bronze Age.

Ongoing Research

Archaeologists and ceramicists continue to study White Shaved ware to better understand its production techniques, cultural significance, and role in ancient Cypriot society. Advanced analytical methods, such as petrography and chemical analysis, are being employed to determine clay sources and manufacturing locations, providing new insights into the organization of pottery production in Bronze Age Cyprus.