146 THE ARCHEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS IN ANAU. 
in form and technique from that of the middle and lower strata. We have, there- 
fore, to refer it to a younger culture, which we will call IV to distinguish it from 
the three older cultures. Two different groups of pottery are distinguishable— 
one turned on the wheel and the other made by hand. 
(a) WHEEL-WORK, 
Technique.—Judging from its technique this youngest pottery of the kurgan 
at Anau was intended for common use, but it meets all the requirements of a 
perfected wheel technique. Consequently its technical characteristics are to be 

brought sharply into relief in comparison with the pottery of the middle strata; 
all the more so since the latter is the highest achievement in wheel technique. 
The clay is equally well prepared, but is burnt much harder and is more brittle 
than in the older ware. For the most part it is red, at times passing into a yellow- 
ish tone. It lacks, therefore, the numerous shades present in the older pottery. 
The exterior is generally covered with a very thin white or greenish-white slip. 
In bowls and cups we often find the interior covered with a thin red color. In 


