The Archaeological Pottery Discovered on the Coast of the Zuwarah Region and Preserved in the Red Castle Storehouse in 1997 AD: An Artistic and Analytical Archaeological Study of Its Cultural Significance (Part One)

Abstract

This study (Part One) examines archaeological pottery discovered on the coast of the Zuwarah region in Libya in 1997, preserved within the collections of the Red Castle Storehouse in Tripoli. The study focuses on the archaeological and artistic analysis of these pieces by describing their shapes and types, manufacturing techniques, and painted decorations, in addition to identifying the materials used in their production. The aim is to uncover their cultural significance in relation to their origins, methods of execution, and connections with the societies that used them, while tracing the artistic influences reflected in their formation and ornamentation. The study also reveals that these pottery pieces reflect the nature of the trade and cultural ties linking the Zuwarah region with Mediterranean areas, thereby shedding light on the civilizational and economic role the region played throughout history. This contributes to identifying the chronological periods to which they belong and the extent of their interaction with successive civilizations along the Libyan coast. The study adopts a scientific approach combining archaeology and art analysis. This part serves as an introduction to a broader study of these artifacts, underscoring the importance of preserving them as part of Libya’s cultural heritage, which helps in understanding the history of Libyan society and its connections with neighboring civilizations.