Investigation the Ubaid Pottery From Kendale Hecala, Türkiye Using pXRF, XRD, FT-IR and SEM-EDS

Ubaid ware, a hallmark of early cultural interaction across Mesopotamia, has been well studied, but its technological properties remain underexplored in the Upper Tigris region. This study presents a multi-analytical characterization of Ubaid pottery from Kendale Hecala (Diyarbak & imath;r, T & uuml;rkiye). Thirteen sherds, selected through RGB image-based clustering, were analyzed by pXRF, FT-IR, XRD, and SEM-EDS. The results distinguish four compositional groups: Group A1 with carbonate-rich clays and limited mafic input; Groups A2 and C with geochemical signatures consistent with mafic-rich calcareous clays typical of the Upper Tigris; and Group B with non-calcareous fabrics geochemically distinct from local sediments. Mineralogical and microstructural analyses identify phases such as quartz, calcite, anorthite, gehlenite, and wollastonite and various stages of vitrification, reflecting diverse firing conditions. Group A1 and Group C correspond to lower firing ranges (750 degrees C-800 degrees C), Group A2 to higher temperatures (up to 900 degrees C), and Group B to intermediate levels (800 degrees C-850 degrees C). Variations likely reflect functional, technological, or resource-based choices within a shared ceramic tradition. The Ubaid-Halaf transitional Group C displays compositional and technological affinities with Group A2, indicating continuity of local practices at the site. Overall, the results demonstrate heterogeneous technological strategies at Kendale Hecala, situating the settlement within broader Ubaid traditions while highlighting local adaptive production pathways.