This article examines the phenomenon of so-called African-style pottery made in early third century
York. The pottery, which was produced in significant quantities in late Ebor ware, is strikingly different
from vessels in circulation in Roman Britain and the north-west provinces – so much so that the late
Vivien Swan argued that ...
This article examines the phenomenon of so-called African-style pottery made in early third century
York. The pottery, which was produced in significant quantities in late Ebor ware, is strikingly different
from vessels in circulation in Roman Britain and the north-west provinces – so much so that the late
Vivien Swan argued that it was ‘made by Africans for the use of Africans’. The present study reassesses
the evidence of ceramic genealogical influences, production waste, fabric supply, consumption
patterns, and contextual finds associations. The results shed new light on the manufacture and use of
late Ebor ware by York’s military community, qualifying claims made aboutthe repertoire’s links with
novel culinary practices, cultural diversity, and the unique historical circumstances of Severan York.
