Neeley et al./Walking through Jordan, 9. The EB IV Pottery from the Southern Ghors and Northeast ‘Arabah Survey

In this paper, I argue that much of the Early Bronze IV pottery from the Southern Ghors and Northeast ‘Arabah Survey (SGNAS) is unique in comparison to other EB IV pottery in region. Although the SGNAS corpus shows morphological similarities with pottery typical of south-central Jordan, as well as that found in the northern Negev, and the Shephelah, much of the slip applied as surface treatment to the SGNAS pottery is atypical. Recent attempts to establish a regional chronology during the Early Bronze IV period in south-central Transjordan highlight the development of the ceramic manufacturing processes during the period and identifies a number of regional “repertoires”. While the Southern Ghors and Northeast ‘Arabah would appear to be part of a larger regional or provincial grouping, I emphasize that the dominant application of light coloured slips to the pottery from the SGNAS highlights its distinctiveness. The unique surface treatment may suggest the occurrence of distinct social boundaries in the region, emphasizing the heterogeneous nature of the potting industry and regionalism during the EB IV period.