In Northern Syria, at Tell Sabi Abyad, lies a treasure trove of history—over 7,000 years old. Here, ancient Neolithic societies crafted Plaster Ware, exquisite vessels born from gypsum and lime. This is not just pottery; it is a testament to human ingenuity, a reflection of how our ancestors adapted to their environment, reshaping their social and economic worlds.
Led by Professor Peter M.M.G. Akkermans from Leiden University, researchers have unearthed over 23,000 fragments of this fragile art.
The findings, dating back to 7100–5600 BCE, reveal a striking choice: gypsum, easy to mold but brittle, was favored over lime, which required intense heat and labor for a more durable product. What drove this decision? Was it speed, availability, or the weight of tradition?
“These choices indicates that in these societies, conscious choices were made, not only technically but also organizationally”, claims Bonnie Nilhamn-Kuosmanen from the University of Helsinki

Race against destruction
At the same time this research is a race against time. The Tell Sabi Abyad site, once a beacon of Neolithic culture, now faces destruction amidst Syria’s ongoing conflict and rampant looting.
The transition from plaster to pottery was not merely a shift in technology; it reshaped identities, trade, and resource management in profound ways. In a world where destruction of cultural heritage is intertwined with geopolitical strife, safeguarding these echoes of the past is crucial.