A Collection of Early Bronze Age Pottery from Akhisar Museum

This study evaluates twenty artifacts at the Manisa Akhisar Museum. Most of the artifacts are displayed in the exhibition hall at the museum, while the others are preserved in the museum’s warehouse. Twelve artifacts were obtained through confiscation, while eight were acquired via purchase in various years. Eight artifacts were discovered in Alaşehir, Akhisar, and Kula, whereas the origins of the rest are not specified in the museum records. The artifacts were categorized based on their functions and stylistic characteristics. Consequently, the forms of the vessels were taken as a basis for comparison with their counterparts from other sites. Among the examined vessels, those specifically produced were likely intended to be placed in graves or used in religious rituals. Considering the production techniques and the specifics of the regional culture, most of the vessels clearly show the characteristics of Yortan-type pottery dispersed over Balıkesir and Akhisar/Manisa plains during the Early Bronze Age. Furthermore, there exist vessel forms showing the cultural traditions of the surrounding region. The artifacts from the Akhisar Museum, produced by specialist potters with aesthetic insight, will undoubtedly contribute to Anatolian archaeology.