Plasters : Gypsum or Calcite ? A Preliminary Case Study of Syrian Plasters.

A series of plaster samples from sites in the Balikh Valley and the Khabour have been analyzed for composition determination. The samples were collected from various architectural features (walls, pits, floors, etc.) representative of different periods. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that all samples from neolithic contexts mainly consist of gypsum, whereas later samples contain lime, gypsum, or a combination of both. The results seem to be indicative of an increase towards greater diversification in the production and application of plaster. There is a possibility that this differentiation may proceed from the relative proximity of raw materials as well as from functional considerations.