Samian fragments, Barburgh Mill

Samian is a high quality tableware made in central France. It was exported throughout the Roman Empire. Two sections of samianware, both with large proportions of their base intact.   The principal Samian manufacturing centres were in Gaul (France). Pottery tableware was a relatively cheap substitute for metal and glass vessels. Even so, Samian ware came in both plain and decorated forms, and was of high quality. It was used at civilian and military sites and included cups, dishes, bowls and vases.   The decorations were achieved by moulding, and the red effect came from the use of clay which contained iron oxide for both the fabric and the outer coating of slip. The pottery was also fired in an oxidising atmosphere. This object was discovered during the excavation of Barburgh Mill Fort in 1971.    Barburgh Mill Fortlet The fortlet at Barburgh mill was excavated in the 1970s in advance of its destruction by gravel quarrying. Although on the Dumfriesshire side of the Nith it is typical of the fortlets found in Galloway.