Abstract

Interpretations of the distribution of asbestos tempered ceramics have always been one of the major building blocks used in models of Finnish prehistory. In the mid-1980's, attempts were made to identify the sources of the asbestos used in this widespread industry. I will briefly review those attempts, discussing their potential and identifying their methodoligical difficulties. I will then outline my ongoing project for sourcing of asbestos used as temper in prehistoric Finnish ceramics.