This study delves into the pottery production and circulation dynamics within the Kongo kingdom, employing a multi-analytical approach to investigate the mineralogical compositions of different pottery types (A, C, D) from various sites. Through methods like XRD, TGA, petrographic analysis, XRF, VP-SEM-EDS, and ICP-MS, the research identified key mineral components such as quartz, micas, feldspars, amphiboles, and talc in the samples.
The findings shed light on production templates, exchange patterns, and interaction processes, offering insights into the socio-political impact on pottery production and circulation in the Lower Congo region of Central Africa. By linking ceramic traditions to specific production patterns, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the cultural and trade networks within the Kongo kingdom.
Moreover, the study highlights the significance of natural resource exploitation, raw material procurement, and processing in shaping the historical archaeology of Central Africa. It emphasises the importance of considering technological factors in production organisation and the evolution of ceramic traditions. The research also reveals the technical competence and technological development in pottery production during the kingdom’s formation, distinguishing between the Kindoki Group and the Kongo Group.
Overall, this comprehensive analysis provides a foundation for further comparative research and contextualises the region’s historical and cultural significance, particularly in understanding the complexities of past societies and their material culture.
