17³Ô¹Ï

In November 2025, thanks to the generous support of the 17³Ô¹ÏStevan B. Dana Project Grant, a geological prospection was conducted along the western shore of the Mosul Dam Lake in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This work forms part of the ReLand Project, which investigates the archaeological landscapes of the Upper Tigris region in Iraq through survey, environmental research, and laboratory analysis.

Pottery has been a fundamental element of daily life in northern Mesopotamia for thousands of years. Yet while archaeologists have studied ceramic vessels extensively, much less attention has been given to the natural clay sources that ancient potters relied upon. Today, the shores of the Mosul Dam Lake are undergoing rapid environmental change. Seasonal fluctuations in water levels expose fresh sediment profiles, while erosion threatens to destroy important geological deposits. This moment therefore offers a rare opportunity to document clay sources before they are altered or lost.

During one week of intensive fieldwork, we systematically surveyed wadi banks, and upland slopes. Using GPS mapping, stratigraphic recording, photography, and UAV-based aerial documentation, we identified and recorded clay-rich deposits suitable for pottery production. A total of 32 clays were collected from both residual deposits formed by weathering of local bedrock and fine-grained floodplain sediments associated with wadis (ancient Tigris channels).

These two types of deposits represent different possibilities for ancient ceramic production. Residual clays, often found on slopes and eroded outcrops, are variable in composition and would have required careful preparation by potters. Floodplain clays, in contrast, are finer and more homogeneous, potentially offering highly workable raw materials. Understanding the distribution and properties of these deposits helps us reconstruct how potters selected and managed natural resources.

The collected samples will now undergo laboratory analyses, including petrography, X-ray diffraction, and geochemical characterization. Their mineralogical and chemical signatures will be compared with ceramic vessels previously excavated and analyzed at archaeological sites in the region. This comparison will allow us to identify local production, distinguish imported wares, and better understand technological traditions and exchange networks in the Upper Tigris.

By documenting endangered clay landscapes, this project not only advances archaeological science but also highlights the deep connection between environment and human creativity. The 17³Ô¹ÏDana Grant has made it possible to preserve critical geological knowledge and to strengthen long-term research collaboration in the region.

Learn more about the project or follow the ReLand project on .