Mineralogical Characterization of the Bacong Earthernwares

Noriza P. Calderon* and Alexandra S. De Leon

Archaeological excavations in the Bacong region of Negros Island in central Philippines have documented five Metal Age jar burial sites: Sarono, Tañac, Yucor1, Vergaño and Soldevillo. These sites have yielded numerous mortuary earthenware vessels associated with jar burial practices that were widespread in the Philippines during the Metal Age. This study examines the physical characteristics of these mortuary ceramics recovered through macroscopic analysis in order to explore patterns in pottery manufacture and raw material use within the Bacong region. The analysis focuses on the composition and texture of the ceramic paste, including vessel colour, grain size, degree of sorting, and the presence and types of visible mineral inclusions or temper. These attributes provide important clues about the selection and preparation of raw materials and the technological choices made by potters. By comparing these macroscopic features across vessels from the five burial sites, the study investigates whether the earthenwares were produced using similar raw materials or derived from different sources. Such comparisons may help determine whether the vessels represent a shared technological tradition and local production or reflect pottery produced by multiple communities. The results contribute to a better understanding of raw material procurement, pottery production practices, and possible interaction networks among Metal Age communities in the Bacong region.