Michela Spataro
The British Museum, Scientific Research, Faculty Member
- Italian Pre- and Protohistory, Archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Ceramic Technology, European Prehistory (Archaeology), and 10 morePrehistory, Indian sub-continent prehistory, Mesolithic-Neolithic transition, Archaeometric analysis of pottery, Neolithic Europe, Ceramic Petrography, Impressed Ware Culture, Analytical Chemistry, Prehistoric Archaeology, and Neolithic Archaeologyedit
Northwest China is known for its Majiayao-style Neolithic painted pottery which has received much praise for its high level of craftsmanship, yet its chain of production, in particular the step of raw material selection, is still poorly... more
Northwest China is known for its Majiayao-style Neolithic painted pottery which has received much praise for its high level of craftsmanship, yet its chain of production, in particular the step of raw material selection, is still poorly understood. To fill this lacuna, the present study explores the raw materials used in producing these wares from a geological and technological perspective. At its core stands the first geoarchaeological survey conducted around the eponymous site of Majiayao which collected 47 samples of raw materials suitable for ceramic production including clay, loess and rocks, which were all analysed macroscopically. A selection was analysed using thin-section petrography, and a subset of the clay and loess samples were subjected to firing experiments. Additionally, three clay samples were analysed by scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer to understand their composition and behaviour in ceramic production. These were then compared to archaeological ceramics, thus providing insights into raw-material availability and selection that will be of importance not only for research on Majiayao-style pottery but also for later-period ceramics produced in the area. This research shows how an archaeologically informed geological survey can contribute insights into human–environment interaction in early pottery production, especially the interplay between raw-material availability, technological know-how and potters' choices.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Italico onlus, Diritto alla bellezza, The Right to Beauty. Proteggere e valorizzare il patrimonio culturale, The Preservation and Enhancement of Cultural Heritage. Parco archeologico e museo di Ripoli, Archaeological Park and Museum of... more
Italico onlus, Diritto alla bellezza, The Right to Beauty. Proteggere e valorizzare il patrimonio culturale, The Preservation and Enhancement of Cultural Heritage. Parco archeologico e museo di Ripoli, Archaeological Park and Museum of Ripoli, pp. 263-283. Anno 2023. Stampato presso FastEdit, Acquaviva Picena AP (Italy).
Research Interests:
Ancient Middle Eastern clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform writing have traditionally been studied more as textual documents than as archaeological objects per se. In contrast to previous analytical studies which, with few exceptions,... more
Ancient Middle Eastern clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform writing have traditionally been studied more as textual documents than as archaeological objects per se. In contrast to previous analytical studies which, with few exceptions, focused on provenance and palaeo-environmental reconstruction, the current study aims to describe the tablet makers’ technological choices, to understand whether a specific series of steps or chaîne opératoire was followed to produce these important documents. Twenty cuneiform tablets found at the sites of Nineveh, Nimrud (Iraq) and Tell Halaf (Syria), and curated in the British Museum collection, were analysed by optical microscopy of minero-petrographic thin sections and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM–EDX). Six of these tablets were also analysed by X-ray computed tomography (CT), to investigate the potential for this non-invasive technique to address the technological questions and to select objects for invasive analyses. The results show that the tablets were made following similar steps to pottery making, either carefully levigating calcareous clays, or adding plant matter to make the clay less plastic. Petrographic and CT analyses are readily comparable and CT results permit a more targeted approach to invasive sampling.
Research Interests:
The shell-midden site of Riņņukalns in northern Latvia offers a rare opportunity to study long-term trends in ceramic production and function at a European hunter-fisher-gatherer site. Riņņukalns was occupied from the sixth millennium... more
The shell-midden site of Riņņukalns in northern Latvia
offers a rare opportunity to study long-term trends
in ceramic production and function at a European
hunter-fisher-gatherer site. Riņņukalns was occupied
from the sixth millennium BC, with the midden
developing from the later fourth millennium. Here,
the authors discuss the chaîne opératoire and function
of the Riņņukalns material, showing that pottery was
used in both the pre-midden and midden phases primarily
to cook aquatic and porcine resources. The
technology used to produce these cooking vessels,
however, changed over time, with new firing techniques
associated with a shift to the use of shell temper.
The results have implications for understanding
prehistoric technology and subsistence in other parts
of the world.
offers a rare opportunity to study long-term trends
in ceramic production and function at a European
hunter-fisher-gatherer site. Riņņukalns was occupied
from the sixth millennium BC, with the midden
developing from the later fourth millennium. Here,
the authors discuss the chaîne opératoire and function
of the Riņņukalns material, showing that pottery was
used in both the pre-midden and midden phases primarily
to cook aquatic and porcine resources. The
technology used to produce these cooking vessels,
however, changed over time, with new firing techniques
associated with a shift to the use of shell temper.
The results have implications for understanding
prehistoric technology and subsistence in other parts
of the world.
Research Interests: Hunters, Fishers and Gatherers' Archaeology, Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology, Early Neolithic pottery technology, Neolithic pottery, Pottery technology and function, and 7 moreChaîne Opératoire, Shell middens, Organic Residue Analysis, Hunter-gatherer Pottery, Organic Residues Analysis of Pottery, Latvian Archaeology, and Shell Temper
The chaîne opératoire of Neolithic Korenovo ceramics is poorly known, as hitherto potsherds from only three sites, Malo Korenovo, Tomašica in central Croatia, and Becsehely–Bukkaljai dűlő in Hungary have been analysed archaeometrically.... more
The chaîne opératoire of Neolithic Korenovo
ceramics is poorly known, as hitherto potsherds from only
three sites, Malo Korenovo, Tomašica in central Croatia,
and Becsehely–Bukkaljai dűlő in Hungary have been
analysed archaeometrically. Korenovo is considered the
southernmost aspect of the Linearbandkeramik (LBK).
In this paper, the ceramic assemblage from Kapelica-Solarevac
and Kaniška Iva (Central Croatia) will be discussed.
Kapelica-Solarevac and Kaniška Iva are the only
two sites in which Starčevo and Korenovo ceramics have
been found together in closed contexts. Twenty potsherds
from the Kapelica-Solarevac and Kaniška Iva assemblages
were analysed using polarised microscopy and scanning
electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry
(SEM-EDX). In combination with equivalent data from 49
Korenovo ceramics from Tomašica and Malo Korenovo,
the results offer an insight into the practices of Korenovo
potters and show the lack of exchange of technological
knowledge between Korenovo and LBK potters in Austria
and central Transdanubia (Hungary). On the other hand,
Korenovo potters seem to closely follow ceramic recipes
typical of the neighbouring Vinča potters, suggesting
Korenovo to be a hybrid group between the Vinča and the
LBK pottery communities.
ceramics is poorly known, as hitherto potsherds from only
three sites, Malo Korenovo, Tomašica in central Croatia,
and Becsehely–Bukkaljai dűlő in Hungary have been
analysed archaeometrically. Korenovo is considered the
southernmost aspect of the Linearbandkeramik (LBK).
In this paper, the ceramic assemblage from Kapelica-Solarevac
and Kaniška Iva (Central Croatia) will be discussed.
Kapelica-Solarevac and Kaniška Iva are the only
two sites in which Starčevo and Korenovo ceramics have
been found together in closed contexts. Twenty potsherds
from the Kapelica-Solarevac and Kaniška Iva assemblages
were analysed using polarised microscopy and scanning
electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry
(SEM-EDX). In combination with equivalent data from 49
Korenovo ceramics from Tomašica and Malo Korenovo,
the results offer an insight into the practices of Korenovo
potters and show the lack of exchange of technological
knowledge between Korenovo and LBK potters in Austria
and central Transdanubia (Hungary). On the other hand,
Korenovo potters seem to closely follow ceramic recipes
typical of the neighbouring Vinča potters, suggesting
Korenovo to be a hybrid group between the Vinča and the
LBK pottery communities.
Research Interests: Hybridization, Balkan archaeology, Ceramic Petrography, Neolithic pottery, Neolithic of the Balkans, and 8 morePottery technology and function, Starčevo-Criş culture, Chaîne Opératoire, LBK pottery, Vinca culture, LBK Settlement, Cross-culture, multiculturalism, cultural hybridisation, ethnocentrism, and sub-cultures, and SEM/EDS
This paper describes the results of the surveys carried out along Ras Muari (Cape Monze, Karachi, Sindh) by the Italian Archaeological Mission in Lower Sindh and Las Bela in 2013 and 2014. The surveyed area coincides with part of the... more
This paper describes the results of the surveys carried out along Ras Muari (Cape Monze, Karachi, Sindh) by the Italian Archaeological Mission in Lower Sindh and Las Bela in 2013 and 2014. The surveyed area coincides with part of the mythical land of the Ichthyophagoi, mentioned by the classical chroniclers. Many archaeological sites, mainly scatters and spots of fragmented marine and mangrove shells, were discovered and AMS dated along the northern part of the cape facing the Hab River mouth. The surveys have shown that fisher and shell gatherer communities temporarily settled in different parts of the headland. They began to exploit the sea resources during the Neolithic. However, the most important discovery consists of a unique fishers’ settlement with rectangular stone-walled structures located on a limestone terrace near Sonari (SNR-I), the first ever found along the northern coast of the Arabian Sea. The AMS dates show that it was settled mainly during the first half of the third millennium cal BC when the Indus Civilisation flourished in the area. Considering the importance of the discovery, all the material culture remains from the Sonari sites have been described and analysed in detail and, whenever possible, framed into the different phases of environmental changes and human adaptation to the coastal environment that have been interpreted thanks to a good series of AMS dates from marine and mangrove shells.
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Ceramic Technology, Mangroves, Hunters, Fishers and Gatherers' Archaeology, Archaeometry, and 13 moreCoastal and Island Archaeology, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Sindh, Lithics, Bronze Age (Archaeology), Pakistan Studies, Bronze Age, Lithic Analysis, Arabian Peninsula in Antiquity, Balochistan History, Coastal Archaeology, Balochistan Studies, and Archaeology of Pakistan
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In 1969–70, a single Tang dynasty blue-spotted Gongyi sherd was found at Siraf, Iran, the main trading port on the Persian Gulf in the early Islamic period. This is the only known example of Chinese blue-and-white ware, whether low- or... more
In 1969–70, a single Tang dynasty blue-spotted Gongyi sherd was found at Siraf, Iran, the main trading port on the Persian Gulf in the early Islamic period. This is the only known example of Chinese blue-and-white ware, whether low- or high-fired, found in the Middle East from such an early date. The sherd provides direct archaeological evidence for the Indian Ocean trade between China and the Middle East in the ninth century AD. The body paste, clear glaze and blue glaze or pigment were analyzed by thin-section petrography, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The technological analysis reveals the different steps of the chaîne opératoire: clay mixing, slip and glaze
application, and decoration with the cobalt blue glaze before high-temperature firing. These steps are characteristic of Tang stoneware production at Gongyi in Henan province, China.
The use of cobalt blue pigment as part of a simple spotted decoration scheme on the Gongyi sherd, and its find context within the Middle East, provides evidence for the complex interplay and influence occurring between Chinese and Middle East ceramic industries at this time.
Closely comparable examples of contemporary low-fired earthenware ceramics with cobalt blue decoration on a white tin glaze manufactured within the Middle East also occur within the same assemblage from Siraf.
application, and decoration with the cobalt blue glaze before high-temperature firing. These steps are characteristic of Tang stoneware production at Gongyi in Henan province, China.
The use of cobalt blue pigment as part of a simple spotted decoration scheme on the Gongyi sherd, and its find context within the Middle East, provides evidence for the complex interplay and influence occurring between Chinese and Middle East ceramic industries at this time.
Closely comparable examples of contemporary low-fired earthenware ceramics with cobalt blue decoration on a white tin glaze manufactured within the Middle East also occur within the same assemblage from Siraf.
Research Interests: Archaeological Science, Tang Dynasty, Technological Innovation, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectroscopy, and 14 moreCeramics (Archaeology), Early Islamic Archaeology, Chinese history (History), Islamic pottery, Ceramic Petrography, Technological change, Pigments, Thin Section Petrography, Cobalt, Chinese Pottery, SEM-EDX, SEM/EDS, Analysis of Pigments on Ancient Artifacts, and Cobalt Complex
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The interdisciplinary study of Egyptian- and Greek-style pottery found in the Nile Delta aims to test and expand the potential of different scientific methods to identify regional variation and cultural traditions in ceramic fabrics from... more
The interdisciplinary study of Egyptian- and Greek-style pottery found in the Nile Delta aims to test and expand the potential of different scientific methods to identify regional variation and cultural traditions in ceramic fabrics from a relatively uniform geological setting. Neutron activation analysis (NAA), polarised light microscopy and SEM-EDX analyses were used to examine raw materials and technological tradition in 32 objects, including 15 previously partly analysed pieces, chosen to test the hypotheses of (a) chemical and (b) technological variation between regionally and/or culturally distinct pottery traditions. Several hundred published NAA data from other studies of Egyptian ceramics were re-assessed within this work. Our NAA results confirmed that all 28 objects analysed originated in Egypt, but could not distinguish production centres. Polarised light microscopy clarified the chaîne opératoire and highlighted Greek and Egyptian technological traditions and regional variations in the production of macroscopically similar ware (e.g. Black Ware). SEM-EDX was essential in distinguishing different recipes used for slips, suggesting patterns of technological transfer and adaptation.
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To date, the pottery production of Rhodes, Kos and other ‘East Dorian’ islands and coastal areas remains little understood. This article presents and discusses new neutron activation analysis (NAA) of eighth–sixth-century BC vessels found... more
To date, the pottery production of Rhodes, Kos and other ‘East Dorian’ islands and coastal areas remains little understood. This
article presents and discusses new neutron activation analysis (NAA) of eighth–sixth-century BC vessels found on Rhodes and in
related areas, placing them in the wider context of past and present archaeometric research. The results highlight the role of Kos
as a leading regional centre of painted pottery production and export in the seventh–sixth centuries BC, notably of ‘East Dorian’
plates. This includes the famous ‘Euphorbos plate’, which can now be attributed to Koan production. Contemporary Archaic
pottery workshops on Rhodes, in contrast, had a less ambitious, if diverse, output, ranging from vessels in a Sub-Geometric
tradition, imitation Corinthian wares and modest local versions of Koan- and Ionian-style plates to finely potted and richly
decorated ‘Vroulian’ cups and black-figured situlae. It was imported mainland and East Greek wares, however, that
dominated the island’s consumption of Archaic painted wares. This represents a departure from the preceding Geometric
period, which was characterised by a local pottery production of considerable scale and quality, although receptivity to
external influences remained a consistent feature throughout later periods. As patterns of demand were changing, the island’s
craft production appears to have concentrated on a different range of goods in which high-quality figured finewares played a
lesser role.
article presents and discusses new neutron activation analysis (NAA) of eighth–sixth-century BC vessels found on Rhodes and in
related areas, placing them in the wider context of past and present archaeometric research. The results highlight the role of Kos
as a leading regional centre of painted pottery production and export in the seventh–sixth centuries BC, notably of ‘East Dorian’
plates. This includes the famous ‘Euphorbos plate’, which can now be attributed to Koan production. Contemporary Archaic
pottery workshops on Rhodes, in contrast, had a less ambitious, if diverse, output, ranging from vessels in a Sub-Geometric
tradition, imitation Corinthian wares and modest local versions of Koan- and Ionian-style plates to finely potted and richly
decorated ‘Vroulian’ cups and black-figured situlae. It was imported mainland and East Greek wares, however, that
dominated the island’s consumption of Archaic painted wares. This represents a departure from the preceding Geometric
period, which was characterised by a local pottery production of considerable scale and quality, although receptivity to
external influences remained a consistent feature throughout later periods. As patterns of demand were changing, the island’s
craft production appears to have concentrated on a different range of goods in which high-quality figured finewares played a
lesser role.
Research Interests:
The early records of the Huntsman crucible steel process are sparse and unsatisfactory. Until recently information on the early process had to rely on the often ill-informed speculations of the various visitors or the cryptic comments of... more
The early records of the Huntsman crucible steel process are sparse and unsatisfactory. Until recently information on the early process had to rely on the often ill-informed speculations of the various visitors or the cryptic comments of the Sheffield crucible steel makers themselves. Excavations at Riverside Exchange in central Sheffield have recovered quantities of crucible debris from contexts dating before the 1790s. The crucibles are of refractory clays in the form of mullite, tempered with graphite. The slag on the interior of the crucibles contains appreciable quantities of manganese suggesting that manganese dioxide was already being added as a flux. The role of manganese through the ages in the production of steel is discussed. In the light of this new information the paper reviews the likely origins of the Huntsman process and of its successors, with especial reference to the central and south Asian processes.
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The authors provide the first preliminary results of the reserches carried out in Transylvania during the 2003-2004 season. During these years two main projects were put forward regarding 1) the Neolithisation of the Balkan Peninsula... more
The authors provide the first preliminary results of the reserches carried out in Transylvania during the 2003-2004 season. During these years two main projects were put forward regarding 1) the Neolithisation of the Balkan Peninsula (AMS-dating and scientific ceramic analysis), and 2) the xxcavation of the cave Cheile Turzii near Turda
Research Interests:
A review of petrographic and geochemical results from over 1000 samples of Early and Middle Neolithic pottery from south and south-eastern Europe provides insights into technological traditions, innovation, resistance and imitation in... more
A review of petrographic and geochemical results from over 1000 samples of Early and Middle Neolithic pottery from
south and south-eastern Europe provides insights into technological traditions, innovation, resistance and imitation in Impressed Ware,
Starčevo-Criş, Danilo/Hvar, Vinča and Korenovo assemblages. The trajectory of technological change varied between regions, and
central Balkan potters seem to have become more innovative than their neighbours; Vinča potters in particular seem to have been more
innovative than Danilo and Korenovo potters, perhaps due to Vinča social complexity. For the first time they used different materials
to make different shapes, according to the function (intended use) of the pot. At the same time, variability in temper choices suggests
regionalism in Vinča technical traditions. Some aspects of innovation (e.g. black-burnishing) were spread more readily than others, but
the idea seems to have spread and not the whole chaîne opératoire. The production of figulina ware was an innovation which became
a tradition, as it remained unchanged for more than a millennium, without apparently influencing the technology of everyday pottery
production.
south and south-eastern Europe provides insights into technological traditions, innovation, resistance and imitation in Impressed Ware,
Starčevo-Criş, Danilo/Hvar, Vinča and Korenovo assemblages. The trajectory of technological change varied between regions, and
central Balkan potters seem to have become more innovative than their neighbours; Vinča potters in particular seem to have been more
innovative than Danilo and Korenovo potters, perhaps due to Vinča social complexity. For the first time they used different materials
to make different shapes, according to the function (intended use) of the pot. At the same time, variability in temper choices suggests
regionalism in Vinča technical traditions. Some aspects of innovation (e.g. black-burnishing) were spread more readily than others, but
the idea seems to have spread and not the whole chaîne opératoire. The production of figulina ware was an innovation which became
a tradition, as it remained unchanged for more than a millennium, without apparently influencing the technology of everyday pottery
production.
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Archaeometry, Technological Innovation, Neolithic Europe, and 16 moreVinča culture (Chalcolithic Archaeology), Technological change, Neolithic of the Carpathian Basin, Neolithic of the Balkans, Croatian Archaeology, Starčevo-Criş culture, Starcevo, Clays and Technological Applications, Vinca culture, LBK Starcevo Ceramics long houses, Late Neolithic. Belgrade. Late Vinca Culture, Archaeometric analysis of pottery, Clay Mineralogy and Geochemistry, Figulina Pottery, Impressed Ware Culture, and Danilo Culture
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Research Interests:
Zamostje 2, on the Dubna River, c.100km north of Moscow, appears to offer an ideal opportunity to understand the relative and absolute chronology of Upper Volga Early Neolithic pottery. More than 100 radiocarbon (14C) dates are available... more
Zamostje 2, on the Dubna River, c.100km north of Moscow, appears to offer an ideal opportunity
to understand the relative and absolute chronology of Upper Volga Early Neolithic pottery. More than 100
radiocarbon (14C) dates are available from a stratigraphic sequence which spans from the Late Mesolithic to the
Middle Neolithic. All typological stages are represented among over 18,000 sherds of Early Neolithic pottery, and
many of these sherds bear deposits of carbonised food remains (food-crusts), which can be dated directly by 14C;
more than 30 food-crusts have been dated directly. Nevertheless, there remains considerable uncertainty about
the date range of Upper Volga pottery at Zamostje 2, and many of the issues raised are relevant to dating early
pottery at other sites. Moreover, the absolute chronology of Upper Volga pottery must have some bearing on the
interpretation of 14C dates for pottery from adjoining regions. In this paper, we discuss alternative interpretations
of the Zamostje 2 evidence.
to understand the relative and absolute chronology of Upper Volga Early Neolithic pottery. More than 100
radiocarbon (14C) dates are available from a stratigraphic sequence which spans from the Late Mesolithic to the
Middle Neolithic. All typological stages are represented among over 18,000 sherds of Early Neolithic pottery, and
many of these sherds bear deposits of carbonised food remains (food-crusts), which can be dated directly by 14C;
more than 30 food-crusts have been dated directly. Nevertheless, there remains considerable uncertainty about
the date range of Upper Volga pottery at Zamostje 2, and many of the issues raised are relevant to dating early
pottery at other sites. Moreover, the absolute chronology of Upper Volga pottery must have some bearing on the
interpretation of 14C dates for pottery from adjoining regions. In this paper, we discuss alternative interpretations
of the Zamostje 2 evidence.
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Archaeometric analyses of some of the earliest ceramic vessels known in southwest Asia.
Research Interests: Near Eastern Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Anatolian Archaeology, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Prehistoric Europe (Archaeology), and 6 moreAnatolian Archaeology (Archaeology), Anatolian Prehistory, Ceramics, Early Neolithic pottery technology, Archaeometry, archaeological science, ceramics, and Archaeometric analysis of pottery
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Pottery’s unlimited potential to express variation in style has revealed a complex mosaic of regional traditions across prehistoric Europe, which archaeologists have used to differentiate material cultures geographically and to build... more
Pottery’s unlimited potential to express variation in style has revealed a complex mosaic of regional traditions across prehistoric Europe, which archaeologists have used to differentiate material cultures geographically and to build chronological sequences. The Neolithic and Copper Ages are understood primarily through analysis of ceramic ornamentation. One outcome is that we may also identify assemblages that are recognisably mixed, when characteristic artefacts of more than one material culture co-occur simultaneously.
This session brings together examples of culturally mixed Neolithic and Eneolithic assemblages from throughout Europe, to map their occurrence and discuss how they are interpreted, and what opportunities and difficulties arise when studying mixed assemblages. Issues such as trade, imitation, migration and conflict arise, but also national research traditions. For example, are mixed assemblages studied primarily to support chronological correlations, to investigate long-distance movements of people or materials, or, using historic or ethnographic analogies of cultural interaction, to study dynamics of cultural integration and differentiation? What are the common features of mixed assemblages? Do they represent ephemeral or ongoing contacts between cultures? Does one culture eventually replace the other, or does hybridisation emerge? Can we study interaction between locals and incoming people? Is more than one chaîne opératoire represented in mixed assemblages? Do sites with culturally mixed pottery also have mixed lithic assemblages? Do we need to apply more techniques, or modify sampling strategies, to understand the development of artefacts in mixed assemblages? Do mixed assemblages recur in all phases of the Neolithic and Copper Ages, or are they more frequent within a particular timeframe?
We are aware of numerous examples, such as sites with both Starčevo pottery and Impressed Ware, or Vinča and Tisza, or Impressed Ware and Linearbandkeramik pottery, but we suspect that the phenomenon is more widespread and welcome contributions from archaeologists working in other regions.
This session brings together examples of culturally mixed Neolithic and Eneolithic assemblages from throughout Europe, to map their occurrence and discuss how they are interpreted, and what opportunities and difficulties arise when studying mixed assemblages. Issues such as trade, imitation, migration and conflict arise, but also national research traditions. For example, are mixed assemblages studied primarily to support chronological correlations, to investigate long-distance movements of people or materials, or, using historic or ethnographic analogies of cultural interaction, to study dynamics of cultural integration and differentiation? What are the common features of mixed assemblages? Do they represent ephemeral or ongoing contacts between cultures? Does one culture eventually replace the other, or does hybridisation emerge? Can we study interaction between locals and incoming people? Is more than one chaîne opératoire represented in mixed assemblages? Do sites with culturally mixed pottery also have mixed lithic assemblages? Do we need to apply more techniques, or modify sampling strategies, to understand the development of artefacts in mixed assemblages? Do mixed assemblages recur in all phases of the Neolithic and Copper Ages, or are they more frequent within a particular timeframe?
We are aware of numerous examples, such as sites with both Starčevo pottery and Impressed Ware, or Vinča and Tisza, or Impressed Ware and Linearbandkeramik pottery, but we suspect that the phenomenon is more widespread and welcome contributions from archaeologists working in other regions.
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Ceramic Technology, Archaeological Method & Theory, Neolithic Archaeology, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), and 10 moreCeramics (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Mesolithic/Neolithic, Ceramics, Eneolithic, Archaeometallurgy, Mineralogy, Archaeometry, Eneolithic in Central Europe, Eneolítico, Chaîne Opératoire, and European Neolithic, Copper Age, Bronze Age
Research Interests: Ethnoarchaeology, Ceramic Technology, Cypriot Archaeology, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), and 15 moreGreek Archaeology, Ceramics (Archaeology), Aegean Archaeology, Maritime Trade Ceramics (Archaeology), Cooking and Food Preparation (archaeology), Iron Age, Ceramic Petrography, Greek Colonization (Magna Graecia and Sicily), 3) Petrography and Manufacturing Technology of Ancient Ceramics, Early Iron Age Greece and Greek communities overseas, Greek and Roman Archaeology, Late Roman Cooking Ware, Cooking Ware, Roman Archaeology, and History of Cooking and Food Culture
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This study is based on the first author’s scientific analysis of 854 potsherds from the early Neolithic Impressed Ware, Starčevo-Criş and Korenovo cultures in south and south-eastern Europe. Neolithic pottery is usually heavily tempered,... more
This study is based on the first author’s scientific analysis of 854 potsherds from the early Neolithic Impressed Ware, Starčevo-Criş and Korenovo cultures in south and south-eastern Europe. Neolithic pottery is usually heavily tempered, and is often highly decorated. Whereas differences in form and decoration have generally been interpreted as reflecting factors such as status, beliefs and cultural identity, technological choices (e.g. of clay and temper) have usually been discussed in terms of functional advantages and constraints – whether in the manufacture or the use of the pot. Nevertheless, the social context of pottery production means that technological choices are restricted by pottery-making traditions and learning opportunities, and the choice of temper is thus closely linked to cultural values. The authors investigate the usefulness of temper as a marker of cultural identity in the Early Neolithic, comparing petrographic results from the Adriatic Basin and surrounding areas. Despite the fact that pottery was only produced for local consumption in this period, several extensive and long-lasting technological traditions can be discerned, and these largely coincide with the extent and duration of various stylistic traditions. Although the choice of raw materials was inevitably constrained by local resources, cultural identity can be proposed as the most important factor distinguishing the different technological traditions.
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This paper deals with the importance of chemical analyses in characterising prehistoric pottery fabrics. Two three-year projects focussed on the minero-petrographic and SEM/EDS analyses of the oldest pottery from south-east Europe (ca.... more
This paper deals with the importance of chemical analyses in characterising prehistoric pottery fabrics. Two three-year projects focussed on the minero-petrographic and SEM/EDS analyses of the oldest pottery from south-east Europe (ca. 6000 cal BC). Whereas in the Impressed Ware culture of the Adriatic region, optical microscopy was sufficient to identify provenance, the more uniform geological background of the central Balkans required chemical analyses to be able to differentiate between different raw materials. Multiple bulk analyses of each sherd were obtained to gauge the variability in composition within each vessel. The limiting factor in determining provenance in this area appears to be the similarity of clay sources, not the inhomogeneity of the coarse pottery. This is shown here using results from four of the sites, including three where petrographic analyses could not establish provenance.
Research Interests: Ceramic Technology, Principal Component Analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Neolithic Archaeology, Technological Innovation, and 8 moreBalkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, Ceramic Petrography, Neolithic Ceramics, Technological transfer, Starčevo-Criş culture, Starcevo, and Ceramic Technological Tradition
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Research Interests: Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Ceramic Technology, Neolithic Archaeology, Balkan prehistory, Neolithic Europe, and 9 moreRomanian Archaeology, Anthropomorphic Figurines, Early Neolithic, Ancient Ceramic Technology, Starčevo-Criş culture, Spindle Whorls, Starcevo, European Neolithic, and Net Weights
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Pottery mortaria, or grinding bowls, are found in most early cultures around the Mediterranean. As with most plain, utilitarian household pottery, archaeologists often believe them to be locally produced and of too little value to be... more
Pottery mortaria, or grinding bowls, are found in most early cultures around the Mediterranean. As with most plain, utilitarian household pottery, archaeologists often believe them to be locally produced and of too little value to be objects of trade. In order to test this view and to distinguish production centres and technological traits, petrographic analyses of thin sections and measurements of elemental composition using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry were carried out on examples from several sites. These included pieces from recent excavations in the East Greek city of Miletos (Turkey) as well as from Al Mina in Syria, Lachish in Judah (Israel) and the Greek trading post of Naukratis in Egypt, all in the British Museum’s collections. In addition, several groups of reference material were analysed. Overall, 61 ceramic objects, mostly mortaria dating to the seventh–fifth century BC, were analysed. The results revealed that Cyprus was a major production centre for mortaria and that its products were widely traded in the Eastern Mediterranean, not only to the Levant but also to East Greece. The results also suggest further production centres, including locations in the Egyptian Nile Delta and at Miletos, and the use of different clay recipes in the production of the
same shape.
same shape.
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Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
This papers describes contemporary pottery production in three villages of Upper Sindh located in the Thari district of Pakistan. Strong similarities exist between the pottery production of Pakistan and India, their contemporary... more
This papers describes contemporary pottery production in three villages of Upper Sindh located in the Thari district of Pakistan. Strong similarities exist between the pottery production of Pakistan and India, their contemporary traditions, and those of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Technology refers to any set of standardised procedures for transforming raw materials into finished products. Innovation consists of any change in technology which has tangible and lasting effect on human practices, whether or not it... more
Technology refers to any set of standardised procedures for transforming raw materials into finished products. Innovation consists of any change in technology which has tangible and lasting effect on human practices, whether or not it provides utilitarian advantages. Prehistoric societies were never static, but the tempo of innovation occasionally increased to the point that we can refer to transformation taking place. Prehistorians must therefore identify factors promoting or hindering innovation.
This volume stems from an international workshop, organised by the Collaborative Research Centre 1266 ‘Scales of Transformation’ at Kiel University in November 2017. The meeting challenged its participants to detect and explain technological change in the past and its role in transformation processes, using archaeological and ethnographic case studies. The papers draw mainly on examples from prehistoric Europe, but case-studies from Iran, the Indus Valley, and contemporary central America are also included. The authors adopt several perspectives, including cultural-historical, economic, environmental, demographic, functional, and agent-based approaches.
These case studies often rely on interdisciplinary research, whereby field archaeology, archaeometric analysis, experimental archaeology and ethnographic research are used together to observe and explain innovations and changes in the artisan’s repertoire. The results demonstrate that interdisciplinary research is becoming essential to understanding transformation phenomena in prehistoric archaeology, superseding typo-chronological description and comparison.
This volume stems from an international workshop, organised by the Collaborative Research Centre 1266 ‘Scales of Transformation’ at Kiel University in November 2017. The meeting challenged its participants to detect and explain technological change in the past and its role in transformation processes, using archaeological and ethnographic case studies. The papers draw mainly on examples from prehistoric Europe, but case-studies from Iran, the Indus Valley, and contemporary central America are also included. The authors adopt several perspectives, including cultural-historical, economic, environmental, demographic, functional, and agent-based approaches.
These case studies often rely on interdisciplinary research, whereby field archaeology, archaeometric analysis, experimental archaeology and ethnographic research are used together to observe and explain innovations and changes in the artisan’s repertoire. The results demonstrate that interdisciplinary research is becoming essential to understanding transformation phenomena in prehistoric archaeology, superseding typo-chronological description and comparison.
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Technology, Iranian Archaeology, Knowledge sharing, Neolithic Archaeology, and 11 moreBronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Southeast Asian Archaeology, Technological Innovation, Oral Traditions (Culture), Balkan prehistory, Bronze Age (Archaeology), Traditional Knowledge, Indus Valley Civilization, Technological change, Bronze Age of Iran and the Indus valley, Theoretical Archaeology, and Chaîne Opératoire
Early Neolithic Starčevo groups made the first ceramics and fired clay cult objects in the Middle Danube basin during the 6 th millennium cal BC. These groups were also the first farmers in the region. This study of Starčevo everyday... more
Early Neolithic Starčevo groups made the first ceramics and fired clay cult objects in the Middle Danube basin during the 6 th millennium cal BC. These groups were also the first farmers in the region. This study of Starčevo everyday pottery, ceramic figurines and four-legged vessels from Slavonia, Serbia and Romania shows that the same pottery chaîne opératoire was used throughout this region, at sites located in different geological settings, where potters could have used a wider range of raw materials. Starčevo potters were not specialists, but some later Starčevo ceramics were more sophisticated, particularly in decoration techniques. The similarity of pottery technology throughout the Middle Danube basin shows the ongoing connectedness and intermixing of Starčevo communities, while the use of one chaîne opératoire for almost a millennium, and the lack of technological exchange with contemporaneous Adriatic Impressed Ware pottery, reveals a conservative society, in which intergenerational transmission of technical skills and a strong network may have helped to maintain social stability over time.
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Ceramic Technology, Cultural Transmission (Evolutionary Biology), Scanning Electron Microscopy, Neolithic Archaeology, and 14 moreArchaeometry, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, X-ray Diffraction, Neolithic, Neolithic Ceramics, Technological change, Ceramics, Neolithic of the Balkans, Optical microscopy, Starčevo-Criş culture, Thin Section Petrography, Chaîne Opératoire, and Starčevo culture
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Archaeometry, Neolithic Europe, South Italian Archaeology, and 7 moreEuropean Prehistory (Archaeology), Ceramic Petrography, Early Neolithic pottery technology, Italian Prehistory, South Italian pottery, Figulina Pottery, and Impressed Ware Culture
Research Interests:
Past studies of ceramic craft networks focussed mainly on typological and stylistic traits. In recent decades, however, researchers have been able to study the ceramic chaîne opératoire in detail, and detect technological transmission of... more
Past studies of ceramic craft networks focussed mainly on typological and stylistic traits. In recent decades, however, researchers have been able to study the ceramic chaîne opératoire in detail, and detect technological transmission of knowledge. Increasing use of archaeometric techniques [e.g. polarised microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman, X-ray diffraction, trace element analyses], together with GIS and anthropological methods, allow individual and collective choices to be recognised. The craft network is an essential tool to understand how knowledge is transferred. Patterns of technological and stylistic choices underpin archaeological 'cultures', and suggest links between individuals located far apart. Knowledge networks are embedded in this process and entangled with the production of material culture. Studying the chaîne opératoire is essential to understanding where innovations emerged, and how they spread and interacted with local traditions. Shared technological knowledge implies shared values. Cross-cultural consensus emerges on what constitute culturally accepted ceramic products, even if these objects were conceptualised and valued very differently. This session focusses on craft network and technological tradition patterns in Eurasia in the Neolithic and Chalcolithic. Presentations should consider how communities adapt to and adopt new ceramic traditions through knowledge transfers and exchange networks and how exchange was embedded in social relations.
Keywords: Craft networking, Change and innovation, Ceramic chaîne opératoire, Technological traditions/Knowledge transfer, Neolithic/Chalcolithic, Eurasia
Keywords: Craft networking, Change and innovation, Ceramic chaîne opératoire, Technological traditions/Knowledge transfer, Neolithic/Chalcolithic, Eurasia
Research Interests:
One of the aims of large-scale diachronic research strategies is to see which aspects of pottery production are most persistent, in time and space, and which are replaced regularly. The fact that clay is such a plastic medium permits... more
One of the aims of large-scale diachronic research strategies
is to see which aspects of pottery production are most persistent, in time and space, and which are replaced
regularly. The fact that clay is such a plastic medium permits almost infinite variation in pottery style (form and decoration), allowing archaeologists to construct detailed typo-chronological schemes for Neolithic Europe. These subdivisions may easily correspond to different technical traditions, as pottery design and manufacture must be directly connected, through the practice of learning the craft of making pottery, but technical traditions are not infinitely variable, due to the physical attributes of the raw materials.
In comparing pottery technology across southern Neolithic Europe, we see both examples of adaptively neutral traditions – persistent differences which have no obvious functional explanation – and of changes in technology t
hat are functionally advantageous, if not essential, for the production of new styles of pottery. Such adaptive changes may be expected to cross existing cultural boundaries,
whereas we would not expect potters to replace one adaptively neutral tradition with another, or for adaptively neutral innovations to spread once pottery-making had become established.
In seeking to understand prehistoric potters, we are fortunate that most aspects of pottery
production leave traces in potsherds, which can be interpreted using a suite of archaeometric techniques. We can therefore observe continuity and change in raw
material procurement, clay preparation, tempering, forming
, firing and decoration, on the same spatial and temporal scale as the evolution of pottery styles. The paper will consider which aspects of Neolithic pottery production
in south-eastern Europe reflect cultural continuity and which are technical innovations that confer functional advantages but do not imply cultural transformation.
is to see which aspects of pottery production are most persistent, in time and space, and which are replaced
regularly. The fact that clay is such a plastic medium permits almost infinite variation in pottery style (form and decoration), allowing archaeologists to construct detailed typo-chronological schemes for Neolithic Europe. These subdivisions may easily correspond to different technical traditions, as pottery design and manufacture must be directly connected, through the practice of learning the craft of making pottery, but technical traditions are not infinitely variable, due to the physical attributes of the raw materials.
In comparing pottery technology across southern Neolithic Europe, we see both examples of adaptively neutral traditions – persistent differences which have no obvious functional explanation – and of changes in technology t
hat are functionally advantageous, if not essential, for the production of new styles of pottery. Such adaptive changes may be expected to cross existing cultural boundaries,
whereas we would not expect potters to replace one adaptively neutral tradition with another, or for adaptively neutral innovations to spread once pottery-making had become established.
In seeking to understand prehistoric potters, we are fortunate that most aspects of pottery
production leave traces in potsherds, which can be interpreted using a suite of archaeometric techniques. We can therefore observe continuity and change in raw
material procurement, clay preparation, tempering, forming
, firing and decoration, on the same spatial and temporal scale as the evolution of pottery styles. The paper will consider which aspects of Neolithic pottery production
in south-eastern Europe reflect cultural continuity and which are technical innovations that confer functional advantages but do not imply cultural transformation.
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Mediterranean prehistory, Anatolian Archaeology, Technological Innovation, Ceramics (Archaeology), and 8 moreBalkan prehistory, Mediterranean archaeology, European Prehistory (Archaeology), Technological change, Italian Prehistory, Starčevo-Criş culture, Vinca culture, and Impressed Ware Culture
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Ceramic Technology, Mediterranean prehistory, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Prehistoric Technology, and 8 morePrehistoric Europe (Archaeology), Southern Italian Neolithic, Mediterranen Archaeology, Early Neolithic pottery technology, Prehistoric ceramics, Early Neolithic, Middle Neolithic, Late Neolithic, European Neolithic, Copper Age, Bronze Age, and Figulina Pottery
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Ceramic Technology, Ceramics (Archaeology), Mediterranean archaeology, and 15 moreEarly Neolithic pottery technology, Early Neolithic, Middle Neolithic, Late Neolithic, Early Neolithic, 3) Petrography and Manufacturing Technology of Ancient Ceramics, Starčevo-Criş culture, Starcevo, LBK pottery, Middle Neolithic, LBK Starcevo Ceramics long houses, Mineral Prospecting/Mineral Exploration/Field Geology/Ore mineralogy/Petrography/Ore Deposits Modeling, Prehistory of the Balkans, Danilo, Hvar, Impressed Ware Culture, and Danilo Culture
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Ceramic Technology, Ceramics (Archaeology), Mediterranean archaeology, and 15 moreEarly Neolithic pottery technology, Early Neolithic, Middle Neolithic, Late Neolithic, Early Neolithic, 3) Petrography and Manufacturing Technology of Ancient Ceramics, Starčevo-Criş culture, Starcevo, LBK pottery, Middle Neolithic, LBK Starcevo Ceramics long houses, Mineral Prospecting/Mineral Exploration/Field Geology/Ore mineralogy/Petrography/Ore Deposits Modeling, Prehistory of the Balkans, Danilo, Hvar, Impressed Ware Culture, and Danilo Culture
The transition in the central Balkans between the early Neolithic Starčevo-Kris-Körös and the middle Neolithic Vinča cultures witnessed several changes; the appearance of the earliest metalwork, sophisticated black-burnished pottery,... more
The transition in the central Balkans between the early Neolithic Starčevo-Kris-Körös and the middle Neolithic Vinča cultures witnessed several changes; the appearance of the earliest metalwork, sophisticated black-burnished pottery, surface houses and tell sites all suggest a shift to a more complex society. We may expect such changes to be reflected in increasing craft specialisation and technological sophistication in pottery production. The author will
present 3 case studies of ceramic assemblages from sites in Serbia and Romania with both Starčevo (6th millennium cal BC) and Vinča (5th millennium) occupations, noting differences
and similarities in the selection of raw materials and firing temperatures. Minero-petrographic and geochemical analyses suggest that the temper used in the early Neolithic was not dictated by functional requirements, but by long-term technological traditions which reflect persistent
group identities and cultural boundaries. By contrast, Vinča pottery production is notable for the range of raw materials and firing conditions employed. The technological diversification does not necessarily reflect functional considerations, and at each site pottery seems to have
been manufactured differently. Although some products may have been more advanced than in the Starčevo period, it is still unclear whether pottery technology in general became more
specialised.
present 3 case studies of ceramic assemblages from sites in Serbia and Romania with both Starčevo (6th millennium cal BC) and Vinča (5th millennium) occupations, noting differences
and similarities in the selection of raw materials and firing temperatures. Minero-petrographic and geochemical analyses suggest that the temper used in the early Neolithic was not dictated by functional requirements, but by long-term technological traditions which reflect persistent
group identities and cultural boundaries. By contrast, Vinča pottery production is notable for the range of raw materials and firing conditions employed. The technological diversification does not necessarily reflect functional considerations, and at each site pottery seems to have
been manufactured differently. Although some products may have been more advanced than in the Starčevo period, it is still unclear whether pottery technology in general became more
specialised.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
This September issue of The Old Potter’s Almanack presents two papers. The first, by Andreja Kudelić, is an experimental, scientific and archaeological study of middle and late Bronze Age pottery from northwestern Croatia. The second is a... more
This September issue of The Old Potter’s Almanack presents two papers. The first, by Andreja Kudelić, is an experimental, scientific and archaeological study of middle and late Bronze Age pottery from northwestern Croatia. The second is a detailed scientific study by Diego Tamburini et al., on the chemical characterisation of organic materials used for the manufacture of plaster and mortar in the Champa civilisation in Vietnam (ca. 4-14th centuries AD).
Research Interests:
Marianna Kulkova and Alexander Kulkov The identification of organic temper in Neolithic pottery from Russia and Belarus Nasim Qanbari-Taheri and Parviz Holakooei Characterisation of a painted pottery vessel excavated at the site of Tepe... more
Marianna Kulkova and Alexander Kulkov
The identification of organic temper in Neolithic pottery from Russia and Belarus
Nasim Qanbari-Taheri and Parviz Holakooei
Characterisation of a painted pottery vessel excavated at the site of Tepe Sialk, Kashan, central Iran
The identification of organic temper in Neolithic pottery from Russia and Belarus
Nasim Qanbari-Taheri and Parviz Holakooei
Characterisation of a painted pottery vessel excavated at the site of Tepe Sialk, Kashan, central Iran
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Ceramic Technology, Mediterranean prehistory, Ceramics (Ceramics), Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), and 14 moreNeolithic Europe, Russian Prehistory, Mediterranean archaeology, Southern Italian Neolithic, Prehistory, Neolithic, Ceramic Petrography, Early Neolithic, Pottery kilns, Italian Pre- and Protohistory, Russian Archaeology, Old Russian archaeology, Pottery Firing Techniques, and Figulina Pottery
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This issue contains three articles. They focus respectively on the possible meanings of stylistic motifs, the interpretation of shapes, and clay selection for metallurgical applications. Elena Natali offers an overview of the decorative... more
This issue contains three articles. They focus respectively on the possible meanings of stylistic motifs, the interpretation of shapes, and clay selection for metallurgical applications.
Elena Natali offers an overview of the decorative patterns and styles of the impressed ware from the Neolithic site of Favella, in Calabria, southern Italy. The classical decorations obtained by fingertips, fingernails, tools and shells are described and analysed in detail using an experimental approach. The author identified types of ‘instrument categories’ and ‘decorative types’, and she rightly argued that this technological study could be applied to other contemporaneous sites, allowing a better understanding of the archaic Impressed Ware.
Cristian Eduard Ştefan presents a detailed account of Eneolithic ceramics from the multi-layered site of Şoimuş-la Avicola, in Hunedoara County, western Romania. The site attributed to the Turdaş culture, also yielded some possible cult objects. The author focuses on decorated prosomorphic lids, altars, and an anthropomorphic vessel, found in surface dwellings and storage pits. As Ştefan points out these specially shaped objects were probably not merely functional.
Anders Söderberg describes the functional role of ceramic shells during the brazing process of iron artefacts (bells, padlocks, weights), focussing on the functionally different workshops at Birka and Sigtuna, in Sweden. The author focuses on how padlock production was strictly embedded in the broader economic medieval world. Scientific analyses also show that the local clay outcrops used for metallurgical purposes were different to those exploited for pottery production.
Elena Natali offers an overview of the decorative patterns and styles of the impressed ware from the Neolithic site of Favella, in Calabria, southern Italy. The classical decorations obtained by fingertips, fingernails, tools and shells are described and analysed in detail using an experimental approach. The author identified types of ‘instrument categories’ and ‘decorative types’, and she rightly argued that this technological study could be applied to other contemporaneous sites, allowing a better understanding of the archaic Impressed Ware.
Cristian Eduard Ştefan presents a detailed account of Eneolithic ceramics from the multi-layered site of Şoimuş-la Avicola, in Hunedoara County, western Romania. The site attributed to the Turdaş culture, also yielded some possible cult objects. The author focuses on decorated prosomorphic lids, altars, and an anthropomorphic vessel, found in surface dwellings and storage pits. As Ştefan points out these specially shaped objects were probably not merely functional.
Anders Söderberg describes the functional role of ceramic shells during the brazing process of iron artefacts (bells, padlocks, weights), focussing on the functionally different workshops at Birka and Sigtuna, in Sweden. The author focuses on how padlock production was strictly embedded in the broader economic medieval world. Scientific analyses also show that the local clay outcrops used for metallurgical purposes were different to those exploited for pottery production.
Research Interests: Prehistoric Archaeology, Balkan Prehistory (Archaeology), Ceramic Technology, Mediterranean prehistory, Northern Europe, and 9 moreMetallurgy, Medieval Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Neolithic Europe, Romanian Archaeology, Italian Prehistory, Northern European Archaeology, and Italian Pre- and Protohistory
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Scanning Electron Microscopy, Islamic pottery, Ceramic Glaze Technology, Islamic Spain, Instrumental Neutron Activaation Analysis (INAA), and 6 moreScanning electron microscopy, microanalysis, Maiolica, Neutron Activation Analysis, American Southwest, Italian Maiolica, and Islamic Pottery and Ceramic
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Ceramic Technology, Neolithic Archaeology, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Ceramic Petrography, Early Neolithic pottery technology, and 3 moreAnalyses of Neolithic Pottery, Organic Residue Analysis, and Mineral Prospecting/Mineral Exploration/Field Geology/Ore mineralogy/Petrography/Ore Deposits Modeling
Past studies of ceramic craft networks focussed mainly on typological and stylistic traits. In recent decades, however, researchers have been able to study the ceramic chaîne opératoire in detail, and detect technological transmission of... more
Past studies of ceramic craft networks focussed mainly on typological and stylistic traits. In recent decades, however, researchers have been able to study the ceramic chaîne opératoire in detail, and detect technological transmission of knowledge. Increasing use of archaeometric techniques [e.g. polarised microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman, X-ray diffraction, trace element analyses], together with GIS and anthropological methods, allow individual and collective choices to be recognised.
The craft network is an essential tool to understand how knowledge is transferred. Patterns of technological and stylistic choices underpin archaeological ‘cultures’, and suggest links between individuals located far apart. Knowledge networks are embedded in this process and entangled with the production of material culture.
Studying the chaîne opératoire is essential to understanding where innovations emerged, and how they spread and interacted with local traditions. Shared technological knowledge implies shared values. Cross-cultural consensus emerges on what constitute culturally accepted ceramic products, even if these objects were conceptualised and valued very differently.
This session focusses on craft network and technological tradition patterns in Eurasia in the Neolithic and Chalcolithic. Presentations should consider how communities adapt to and adopt new ceramic traditions through knowledge transfers and exchange networks and how exchange was embedded in social relations.
Co-organisers: Michela Spataro (The British Museum, London) and Attila Kreiter (Hungarian National Museum, Budapest)
The craft network is an essential tool to understand how knowledge is transferred. Patterns of technological and stylistic choices underpin archaeological ‘cultures’, and suggest links between individuals located far apart. Knowledge networks are embedded in this process and entangled with the production of material culture.
Studying the chaîne opératoire is essential to understanding where innovations emerged, and how they spread and interacted with local traditions. Shared technological knowledge implies shared values. Cross-cultural consensus emerges on what constitute culturally accepted ceramic products, even if these objects were conceptualised and valued very differently.
This session focusses on craft network and technological tradition patterns in Eurasia in the Neolithic and Chalcolithic. Presentations should consider how communities adapt to and adopt new ceramic traditions through knowledge transfers and exchange networks and how exchange was embedded in social relations.
Co-organisers: Michela Spataro (The British Museum, London) and Attila Kreiter (Hungarian National Museum, Budapest)
Research Interests: Technology, Ceramic Technology, Social and Cultural Anthropology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, and 12 moreChalcolithic Pottery, Chalcolithic Archaeology, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Traditional Crafts, Craft Knowledge, Traditional Knowledge, Technological change, Tradition, Ceramics, Anthropological Archaeology, Early Neolithic, Middle Neolithic, Late Neolithic, and Chaîne Opératoire
Pottery appeared throughout this huge territory, between Western Siberia, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, between c. 8000 and 4000 cal BC, following different trajectories, cultural choices and needs. We are interested in how... more
Pottery appeared throughout this huge territory, between Western Siberia, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, between c. 8000 and 4000 cal BC, following different trajectories, cultural choices and needs.
We are interested in how the first pottery was made throughout western Eurasia, and particularly in links between technological, morphological and decorative traditions in different regions. We welcome contributions based on interdisciplinary research, using archaeological evidence, ethnoarchaeology and archaeological science, and addressing questions including:
Was the first pottery always technologically unelaborated?
Was the chaîne opératoire of the first pottery determined by environmental constraints, economic and demographic factors, or the historical trajectory of the spread of pottery?
Were early pottery forms based on existing container shapes or new functional requirements?
How significant is decoration in explaining the spread of the earliest pottery in Eurasia?
How were different aspects of ceramic production (technology, morphology and decoration) changed or maintained while pottery was dispersed?
We are interested in how the first pottery was made throughout western Eurasia, and particularly in links between technological, morphological and decorative traditions in different regions. We welcome contributions based on interdisciplinary research, using archaeological evidence, ethnoarchaeology and archaeological science, and addressing questions including:
Was the first pottery always technologically unelaborated?
Was the chaîne opératoire of the first pottery determined by environmental constraints, economic and demographic factors, or the historical trajectory of the spread of pottery?
Were early pottery forms based on existing container shapes or new functional requirements?
How significant is decoration in explaining the spread of the earliest pottery in Eurasia?
How were different aspects of ceramic production (technology, morphology and decoration) changed or maintained while pottery was dispersed?