incizado

Incizado is a term used in archaeology and art history to describe decoration produced by incising: lines or grooves cut into a surface with a sharp tool. The word derives from the Latin incidere, meaning to cut into. The technique is applied to a variety of materials, including pottery clay, bone, stone, and metal.

The process involves scoring narrow grooves into the surface, which can be straight, curved, or geometric. Incisions may be single or multi-stitched, and the depth and width of the cuts can vary to create different textures and legibility. In many instances, the incised lines are filled with pigment, slip, or inlay to enhance contrast and visibility.

In ceramics, incised ware is common and often features geometric patterns or stylized motifs. In other media, incisions may serve decorative purposes, symbolic designs, or inscriptions. The method allows for precise, linear imagery and can reveal cultural preferences for motif vocabulary and craftsmanship. The resulting texture and contrast contribute to the overall aesthetic of the object.

In archaeology, incised decoration helps classify artefacts, reveal production traditions, and aid dating. It is distinct from impressed decoration, where marks are created by pressing against the surface, and from engraving, where material is cut more deeply or around a designed contour. Incised motifs appear in diverse cultures around the world, across prehistoric and historical contexts, on ceramics, bone or ivory, stone, and metal objects.