I have been working during the last 30 years in Near Eastern Archaeology specially VII and VI millennium cal BC, architecture and ceramics, at the sites of Tell Halula, Tell Amarna and Chagar Bazar in Syria and Akarçay Tepe in southern Turkey. Since 2014 I participate in a new archaeological project in Iraqi Kurdistan, Tell Lashkyr and Gird Banahilk
This book is a monograph which follows the international
symposium on ‘The emergence of pottery
i... more This book is a monograph which follows the international symposium on ‘The emergence of pottery in West Asia: the search for the origin of pyrotechnology’, which was held at the University of Tsukuba, Japan, on 29 and 30 October, 2009. This symposium was the first serious meeting to discuss the Neolithic pottery of this region by pottery experts. A corresponding symposium was held for the Japanese public by the same participants at the Ancient Orient Museum in Tokyo on November 1, 2009. Since the late 1990s, the typology and
The last 30 years have been crucial for our understanding
of the Pottery Neolithic period in the ... more The last 30 years have been crucial for our understanding of the Pottery Neolithic period in the Near East. Time and space have been fi lled with presumably coherent cultural “packages” as chronological frameworks were constructed on simplistic material comparisons and an inadequate record of radiocarbon dates. Archaeologists have struggled with conceptualizing the “transitions” between these packages. More recently, the increasing pace of fi eld research has made it possible to defi ne new material assemblages. This has resulted in an expanded typo-chronological vocabulary, but it has also led to a reappraisal of pre-existing ceramic series and their chronological terminologies. New insights in these pottery assemblages and their morphological, typological and stylistic traits form the basis for a redefi nition of our actual cultural-chronological framework. This paper will discuss two so-called transitional periods that have received much recent attention. The fi rst concerns the initial appearance of the pottery at the end of the PPNB period, and is variously known as Transitional, Initial Pottery Neolithic or Pre-Proto-Hassuna. The second concerns the emergence of the Halaf and is variously known as Transitional or Proto-Halaf. This paper shall discuss a new chronological framework for conceptualizing these two transitions.
Abstract: This paper approaches possible social interaction between the Levant and Northern Mesop... more Abstract: This paper approaches possible social interaction between the Levant and Northern Mesopotamia in the 6th millennium cal. BC through an appraisal of the main archaeological evidence dated in this period in these two large geographic areas. The new data, mainly from recent archaeological excavations, have succeeded in identifying technological and economic dynamics in neighbouring archaeological cultures in this period. Thus, the contributions of the new archaeological sequences at the major Late Neolithic sites in Northern Mesopotamia (Sabi Abyad, Chagar Bazar, Tell Halula, Halaf, Domüztepe) have been able to define the social dynamics associated with this culture and determine their influence on sites in the south. Sites of contemporary chronology located in the Central Levant (Tell al-Baharia) have incorporated important new data to this research. The abundant information from the Southern Levant reveals, despite significant elements of diversity, the existence of relations and exchanges between these regions. Finally, it is shown that recent research in Northern Mesopotamia, mainly in Syria, but also in countries such as Jordan and Israel provides a substantial database reflecting the technological, social and economic strategies associated with the Halaf culture and other cultural groups identified as contemporary with it.
Since 1999 a new archaeological project has been developed at the site of Chagar Bazar in north-e... more Since 1999 a new archaeological project has been developed at the site of Chagar Bazar in north-eastern Syria. A working area of 450 square meters has been opened on the north-western slopes of the site, where a sequence of about nine meters of successive layers of human occupation, covering a time span of some 600 to 700 years and the whole of the Halaf horizon, has been revealed. At the base of the sequence, remains of human occupation attributed to the Proto-Halaf phase and dated to the beginning of the 6th millennium cal BC, have been crucial in understanding the characteristics and polygenic makeup of this early horizon. The evolution of the occupation can be followed until the final phase of the Halaf period, after which the site was temporarily abandoned. From an architectural point of view, the site is characterized by circular buildings, often partly sunk into the surface, which appear simultaneously with others of a rectangular plan in the whole of the sequence.
Gómez, A., Cruells, W. and Molist, M., 2014: "Late Neolithic pottery productions in Syria. Eviden... more Gómez, A., Cruells, W. and Molist, M., 2014: "Late Neolithic pottery productions in Syria. Evidence from Tell Halula (Euphrates valley): A technological approach." in M. Martinón-Torres, (ed.), Craft and science: International perspectives on archaeological ceramics., Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar, pp. 1-10.
The pottery production from Tell Halula dating from the late Neolithic period reveals the economic and social complexity of this community in the middle Euphrates valley. Throughout the study of pottery assemblages from 1996 and 2007(els materials nomes son del 1996 i del 2007?) field work projects, we combine traditional morpho-stylistic analysis with technological ones and we present the current situation of the study of the final stage of the Halaf culture, commonly known as Late Halaf.
Since 1999 a new archaeological project has been developed
at the site of Chagar Bazar in northe... more Since 1999 a new archaeological project has been developed
at the site of Chagar Bazar in northeastern Syria. A working
area of 450 m2 has been opened on the northwestern slopes
of the site, where a sequence of about 9 m of successive layers
of human occupation, covering a time span of some 600 to
700 years and the whole of the Halaf horizon, has been revealed.
At the base of the sequence, remains of human occupation
attributed to the Proto-Halaf phase and dated to the
beginning of the 6th millennium cal. bce, have been crucial
in understanding the characteristics and polygenic makeup
of this early horizon. The evolution of the occupation can
be followed until the final phase of the Halaf period, after
which the site was temporarily abandoned. From an architectural
point of view, the site is characterized by circular
buildings, often partly sunk into the deposits, which appear
simultaneously with"""
Maisons et constructions d'habitation dans le Néolithique. Une approche de l'évolutions des unité... more Maisons et constructions d'habitation dans le Néolithique. Une approche de l'évolutions des unités d'habitat domestiques à partir des documents de Tell Halula (Vallée de l'Euphrates, Syrie)
This paper presents new data about the 7th and 6th millennium cal. bc occupations at Tell Halula.... more This paper presents new data about the 7th and 6th millennium cal. bc occupations at Tell Halula. A diachronic interpretation of that part of the sequence that covers the Pre-Halaf and Halaf periods is at the core of our contribution.
We especially emphasize modes of the occupation of spaces,
architecture and technology, as well as subsistence economy.
Finally, we evaluate the evidence that supports the continuity
of occupation at the site, factors that turn this stratigraphic
sequence one of the most complete in the northern Levant.
This paper presents new data about the 7th and 6th millennium
cal. bce occupations at Tell Halul... more This paper presents new data about the 7th and 6th millennium
cal. bce occupations at Tell Halula. A diachronic interpretation
of that part of the sequence that covers the Pre-
Halaf and Halaf periods is at the core of our contribution.
We especially emphasize modes of the occupation of spaces,
architecture and technology, as well as subsistence economy.
Finally, we evaluate the evidence that supports the continuity
of occupation at the site, factors that turn this stratigraphic
sequence one of the most complete in the northern Levant.
Aquesta tesi ha estat presentada sota la forma de compendi de publicacions i és el resultat de 15... more Aquesta tesi ha estat presentada sota la forma de compendi de publicacions i és el resultat de 15 anys de investigacions arqueològiques al Pròxim Orient centrats en tres grans projectes d'excavació: els jaciments de Tell Halula i Tell Amarna a la vall de l'Eufrates i el de ...
This book is a monograph which follows the international
symposium on ‘The emergence of pottery
i... more This book is a monograph which follows the international symposium on ‘The emergence of pottery in West Asia: the search for the origin of pyrotechnology’, which was held at the University of Tsukuba, Japan, on 29 and 30 October, 2009. This symposium was the first serious meeting to discuss the Neolithic pottery of this region by pottery experts. A corresponding symposium was held for the Japanese public by the same participants at the Ancient Orient Museum in Tokyo on November 1, 2009. Since the late 1990s, the typology and
The last 30 years have been crucial for our understanding
of the Pottery Neolithic period in the ... more The last 30 years have been crucial for our understanding of the Pottery Neolithic period in the Near East. Time and space have been fi lled with presumably coherent cultural “packages” as chronological frameworks were constructed on simplistic material comparisons and an inadequate record of radiocarbon dates. Archaeologists have struggled with conceptualizing the “transitions” between these packages. More recently, the increasing pace of fi eld research has made it possible to defi ne new material assemblages. This has resulted in an expanded typo-chronological vocabulary, but it has also led to a reappraisal of pre-existing ceramic series and their chronological terminologies. New insights in these pottery assemblages and their morphological, typological and stylistic traits form the basis for a redefi nition of our actual cultural-chronological framework. This paper will discuss two so-called transitional periods that have received much recent attention. The fi rst concerns the initial appearance of the pottery at the end of the PPNB period, and is variously known as Transitional, Initial Pottery Neolithic or Pre-Proto-Hassuna. The second concerns the emergence of the Halaf and is variously known as Transitional or Proto-Halaf. This paper shall discuss a new chronological framework for conceptualizing these two transitions.
Abstract: This paper approaches possible social interaction between the Levant and Northern Mesop... more Abstract: This paper approaches possible social interaction between the Levant and Northern Mesopotamia in the 6th millennium cal. BC through an appraisal of the main archaeological evidence dated in this period in these two large geographic areas. The new data, mainly from recent archaeological excavations, have succeeded in identifying technological and economic dynamics in neighbouring archaeological cultures in this period. Thus, the contributions of the new archaeological sequences at the major Late Neolithic sites in Northern Mesopotamia (Sabi Abyad, Chagar Bazar, Tell Halula, Halaf, Domüztepe) have been able to define the social dynamics associated with this culture and determine their influence on sites in the south. Sites of contemporary chronology located in the Central Levant (Tell al-Baharia) have incorporated important new data to this research. The abundant information from the Southern Levant reveals, despite significant elements of diversity, the existence of relations and exchanges between these regions. Finally, it is shown that recent research in Northern Mesopotamia, mainly in Syria, but also in countries such as Jordan and Israel provides a substantial database reflecting the technological, social and economic strategies associated with the Halaf culture and other cultural groups identified as contemporary with it.
Since 1999 a new archaeological project has been developed at the site of Chagar Bazar in north-e... more Since 1999 a new archaeological project has been developed at the site of Chagar Bazar in north-eastern Syria. A working area of 450 square meters has been opened on the north-western slopes of the site, where a sequence of about nine meters of successive layers of human occupation, covering a time span of some 600 to 700 years and the whole of the Halaf horizon, has been revealed. At the base of the sequence, remains of human occupation attributed to the Proto-Halaf phase and dated to the beginning of the 6th millennium cal BC, have been crucial in understanding the characteristics and polygenic makeup of this early horizon. The evolution of the occupation can be followed until the final phase of the Halaf period, after which the site was temporarily abandoned. From an architectural point of view, the site is characterized by circular buildings, often partly sunk into the surface, which appear simultaneously with others of a rectangular plan in the whole of the sequence.
Gómez, A., Cruells, W. and Molist, M., 2014: "Late Neolithic pottery productions in Syria. Eviden... more Gómez, A., Cruells, W. and Molist, M., 2014: "Late Neolithic pottery productions in Syria. Evidence from Tell Halula (Euphrates valley): A technological approach." in M. Martinón-Torres, (ed.), Craft and science: International perspectives on archaeological ceramics., Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar, pp. 1-10.
The pottery production from Tell Halula dating from the late Neolithic period reveals the economic and social complexity of this community in the middle Euphrates valley. Throughout the study of pottery assemblages from 1996 and 2007(els materials nomes son del 1996 i del 2007?) field work projects, we combine traditional morpho-stylistic analysis with technological ones and we present the current situation of the study of the final stage of the Halaf culture, commonly known as Late Halaf.
Since 1999 a new archaeological project has been developed
at the site of Chagar Bazar in northe... more Since 1999 a new archaeological project has been developed
at the site of Chagar Bazar in northeastern Syria. A working
area of 450 m2 has been opened on the northwestern slopes
of the site, where a sequence of about 9 m of successive layers
of human occupation, covering a time span of some 600 to
700 years and the whole of the Halaf horizon, has been revealed.
At the base of the sequence, remains of human occupation
attributed to the Proto-Halaf phase and dated to the
beginning of the 6th millennium cal. bce, have been crucial
in understanding the characteristics and polygenic makeup
of this early horizon. The evolution of the occupation can
be followed until the final phase of the Halaf period, after
which the site was temporarily abandoned. From an architectural
point of view, the site is characterized by circular
buildings, often partly sunk into the deposits, which appear
simultaneously with"""
Maisons et constructions d'habitation dans le Néolithique. Une approche de l'évolutions des unité... more Maisons et constructions d'habitation dans le Néolithique. Une approche de l'évolutions des unités d'habitat domestiques à partir des documents de Tell Halula (Vallée de l'Euphrates, Syrie)
This paper presents new data about the 7th and 6th millennium cal. bc occupations at Tell Halula.... more This paper presents new data about the 7th and 6th millennium cal. bc occupations at Tell Halula. A diachronic interpretation of that part of the sequence that covers the Pre-Halaf and Halaf periods is at the core of our contribution.
We especially emphasize modes of the occupation of spaces,
architecture and technology, as well as subsistence economy.
Finally, we evaluate the evidence that supports the continuity
of occupation at the site, factors that turn this stratigraphic
sequence one of the most complete in the northern Levant.
This paper presents new data about the 7th and 6th millennium
cal. bce occupations at Tell Halul... more This paper presents new data about the 7th and 6th millennium
cal. bce occupations at Tell Halula. A diachronic interpretation
of that part of the sequence that covers the Pre-
Halaf and Halaf periods is at the core of our contribution.
We especially emphasize modes of the occupation of spaces,
architecture and technology, as well as subsistence economy.
Finally, we evaluate the evidence that supports the continuity
of occupation at the site, factors that turn this stratigraphic
sequence one of the most complete in the northern Levant.
Aquesta tesi ha estat presentada sota la forma de compendi de publicacions i és el resultat de 15... more Aquesta tesi ha estat presentada sota la forma de compendi de publicacions i és el resultat de 15 anys de investigacions arqueològiques al Pròxim Orient centrats en tres grans projectes d'excavació: els jaciments de Tell Halula i Tell Amarna a la vall de l'Eufrates i el de ...
The role of archaeological journals in Catalonia can be understood
in the context of a process of... more The role of archaeological journals in Catalonia can be understood in the context of a process of consolidation and professionalization of the archaeological activity. In this context the existence of networks that offer a faster distribution than traditional publications on paper (monographs, Miscellaneous, etc.) allowed to create and spread a variety of different publications of historical, archaeological, artistic and scientist subject in a Catalan language. In this sense the trajectory of a journal such as Cota Zero, with 25 issues published allows us to understand and assess the main challenges and the main constraints reached during the last 30 years related to the Catalan archaeology spread.
The role of archaeological journals in Catalonia should be
understood in the framework of a proce... more The role of archaeological journals in Catalonia should be understood in the framework of a process of consolidation and professionalization of archaeological activity. In this context the existence of channels that offer a faster distribution than traditional paper publications (monographs, miscellaneous works, etc.) allows the creation and spread in Catalan of a variety of different publications of historical, archaeological, artistic and scientific interest. In this sense, the trajectory of a journal such as Cota Zero, with 25 published issues, allows us to understand and assess the main challenges and constraints attained during the last 30 years linked to the dissemination of Catalonian archaeology.
... Aquests quatre conjunts tenen una vegetació bàsica de roureda (roure martinenc) a causa de la... more ... Aquests quatre conjunts tenen una vegetació bàsica de roureda (roure martinenc) a causa de la inversió tèrmica que sofreix la plana. La roureda, a les zones de mes ... (Fig. 5) Com a fauna mes representativa hi aparegueren restes de cabra, pore domestic i conili. 4. Balma 81. ...
La Necrôpolis de Coil s' Avenc es troba al limit oest de la comarca d'Osona, a l'e... more La Necrôpolis de Coil s' Avenc es troba al limit oest de la comarca d'Osona, a l'extrem sud de la serralada del Collsacabra, en un dels replans formats per l'erosió dels materials eocènics que la formen. Es situa a poca distància del municipi de Tavertet, al peu de la ...
El dossier <<Agricultura: orígens, adopció i desenvolupa-ment (2a part))) completa el prese... more El dossier <<Agricultura: orígens, adopció i desenvolupa-ment (2a part))) completa el presentat I'any 1991 sota el ma-teix títol. A causa de la complexitat i l'abundhncia d'informa-ció, tant arqueolbgica com paleobotiinica, obtinguda els darrers anys, es decidí de desdoblar-lo en dos ...
CHAPTER FOUR The Neolithic of the IberiAn PeninsulA GENIS RI13E, WALTER CRUELLS AND MIQUEL MOLIST... more CHAPTER FOUR The Neolithic of the IberiAn PeninsulA GENIS RI13E, WALTER CRUELLS AND MIQUEL MOLIST INTRODUCTION The history of archaeological research into the Neolithic has given rise to problems which complicate our understanding of its origins and devel- ...
El dossier <<Agricultura: orígens, adopció i desenvolupa-ment (2a part))) completa el prese... more El dossier <<Agricultura: orígens, adopció i desenvolupa-ment (2a part))) completa el presentat I'any 1991 sota el ma-teix títol. A causa de la complexitat i l'abundhncia d'informa-ció, tant arqueolbgica com paleobotiinica, obtinguda els darrers anys, es decidí de desdoblar-lo en dos ...
Información del artículo Observacions sobre la utilització dels mètodes científics aplicats a la ... more Información del artículo Observacions sobre la utilització dels mètodes científics aplicats a la reconstrucció pleoambiental en la preistòria catalana, avui.
Plantejar-se a la meitat de la dbcada del anys noranta un dossier monografic sobre l'habitat... more Plantejar-se a la meitat de la dbcada del anys noranta un dossier monografic sobre l'habitat i l'habitació a la pro-tohistbria de la Mediterrania nord-occidental vam conside-rar que era un repte, tal vegada difícil, per6 el seu interbs feia necessari l'esforg d'intentar-ho. Si bé és ...
... D'altra ban-O COTA ZERO n 18,2003. Vic, p. 9-10 ISSN 0213-4640 Dossier. Miquel TdwAZL Q~... more ... D'altra ban-O COTA ZERO n 18,2003. Vic, p. 9-10 ISSN 0213-4640 Dossier. Miquel TdwAZL Q~drdnta anys de Les arrels de Catalunya Walter Cruells, Miquel MoZist i Enriqueta Pons Page 2. O COTA ZERO n. 18,2003. Vic, p. 9-10 ISSN 02 13-4640 ...
COTA ZERO va dedicar els dossiers 7 i 9 a temes relacionats amb l'aparició de noves formes e... more COTA ZERO va dedicar els dossiers 7 i 9 a temes relacionats amb l'aparició de noves formes econbmiques (Dossiers: Agricultura: orígens, adopció i desenvolupament I i I1 ) ia l'estudi en profunditat d'una eipecialitat en l'aportació de recursos (Dossier: Arqueozoologia. ...
Vere Gordon Childe, reconegut com un dels prehistoriadors més influents en el desenvolupa-ment de... more Vere Gordon Childe, reconegut com un dels prehistoriadors més influents en el desenvolupa-ment de l'Arqueologia com a Ciència, va morir tot just fa 50 anys, el 19 d'octubre de 1957. En aquest número de COTA ZERO hem volgut no tan sols commemorar ...
Überschuss ohne Staat-Politische Formen in der Vorgeschichte: 10. Mitteldeutscher Archäologentag vom 19. bis 21. Oktober 2017 in Halle (Saale), 2018, ISBN 978-3-944507-83-5, págs. 147-165, 2018
Archaeologists have recently made tremendous advances in understanding the early ceramic traditio... more Archaeologists have recently made tremendous advances in understanding the early ceramic traditions of the prehistoric Near East. Over the past decade there has been a huge increase in research focusing on various aspects of ceramic production, its origins and evolution, distribution and consumption in the Late Neolithic (ca. 7000–5000 cal. BC). Fieldwork brings new and exciting finds every year while laboratory studies change our perspectives regarding ceramic technology. Near Eastern ceramic specialists actively engage with, and contribute to, current trends in theoretical archaeology. For the first time, the 19 papers presented here bring together specialists discussing Neolithic ceramics from the Near East in the broadest sense. There is a general focus on decorated pottery traditions. What raw materials and ceramic technologies did Late Neolithic peoples employ? How did they paint their designs? How may we analyse decorated ceramics to explore social networks and identities? Wh...
espanolDespues de muchos anos trabajando los procesos de neolitizacion en el norte de Siria y sur... more espanolDespues de muchos anos trabajando los procesos de neolitizacion en el norte de Siria y sur de Turquia, se ha iniciado un nuevo proyecto en el norte de Iraq, concretamente en el llano de Erbil (Kurdistan iraqui). Los principales objetivos se centran en contribuir al conocimiento de la evolucion historica y las dinamicas sociales y culturales del norte de Mesopotamia en la prehistoria reciente a partir de la excavacion y el estudio arqueologico del yacimiento de Gird Lashkir. EnglishAfter many years working northern Syria and southern Turkey neolithisation process, a new Project has been started in northern Iraq, specifically in the Erbil’s plain (Iraqui Kurdistan). Main research are focused on contributing to the historical development knowledge and social and cultural dynamics of northern Mesopotamia in recent prehistory based on the excavations and archaeological study of the Gird Laskhir site.
Over the past decades there has been a huge increase of research focusing on various aspects of c... more Over the past decades there has been a huge increase of research focusing on various aspects of ceramic production, distribution and consumption in the Neolithic (ca. 7000-5000 cal. BC). Each campaign of fieldwork brings new and exciting finds, ongoing laboratory studies keep changing our insights regarding ceramic technology, and young PhD’s embracing current trends in theoretical archaeology are changing our perspectives. Habitually the pottery specialists meet in the corridors of other conferences (e.g. ICAANE). Recently there have been specialized conferences/workshops concentrating upon particular aspects of the Neolithic (Leiden March 2009, Tsukuba-Tokyo October 2009). These conferences have shown that there is a need among ceramic specialists working in the Near East to come together on a more regular basis to exchange new information and emerging insights, and to discuss key issues regarding technology, terminology, classification, function and interpretation. The workshop i...
Introduction to the book. This book offers a range of perspectives on current research on Neolith... more Introduction to the book. This book offers a range of perspectives on current research on Neolithic pottery in ancient Mesopotamia. It was produced by members of a working group established during its founding meeting in Brno and Rejviz (Czech Republic) in January 2012. For this first meeting the group adopted the working title “Painting Pots – Painting People”.
En 1993, un site de la periode d'Halaf (chantier L) etait localise au sud-est du tell princip... more En 1993, un site de la periode d'Halaf (chantier L) etait localise au sud-est du tell principal d'Amarna (Syrie). Cet article est une premiere approche (rapport preliminaire) presentant une analyse de quatre tranchees test fouillees en 1993 et deux autres ouvertes en 1997, qui propose une typologie descriptive de la ceramique mise au jour. Aucune structure construite n'a encore ete decouverte, mais d'autres types de materiels (lithique, osseux, etc.) sont en cours d'etude
Proceedings of the 5th International Congress on …, 2008
... Autores: Walter Cruells; Localización: Proceedings of the 5th International Congress on the A... more ... Autores: Walter Cruells; Localización: Proceedings of the 5th International Congress on the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East, Madrid April 3-8 2006: Actas del V Congreso Internacional de Arqueología del Oriente Próximo Antiguo / coord. ...
27 Sépultures de type monumental en Catalogne centrale au Ve millénaire (av. J.-C.): La nécropole... more 27 Sépultures de type monumental en Catalogne centrale au Ve millénaire (av. J.-C.): La nécropole de Tavertet (Barcelone). Walter Cruells, Josep Castells et Miquel Molist Depuis les fouilles développées dans les années 80 et 90, on connaît dans les régions du plateau central de la Catalogne ...
La necropolis d'iricineració del serrat de Bala, a Cantonigrbs, fou des-coberta casualment e... more La necropolis d'iricineració del serrat de Bala, a Cantonigrbs, fou des-coberta casualment el julio1 de 1987 pel Sr. Francesc Puntí, veí de Canto-nigrbs, quan realitzava unes feines d'enjardinament en una finca del po-ble, propietat del Sr. V. Villanueva, a qui agraim la seva ...
Maisons et constructions d&#39;habitation dans le Néolithique. Une approche de l&#39;évol... more Maisons et constructions d&#39;habitation dans le Néolithique. Une approche de l&#39;évolutions des unités d&#39;habitat domestiques à partir des documents de Tell Halula (Vallée de l&#39;Euphrates, Syrie)
The pottery production from Tell Halula, dating from the late Neolithic period, reveals the econo... more The pottery production from Tell Halula, dating from the late Neolithic period, reveals the economic and social complexity of this community in the middle Euphrates valley. Throughout the study of pottery assemblages in the context of field work projects carried out from 1996 to 2007, we combined traditional morpho-stylistic analysis with technological ones. In this paper, we present the current situation of the research on the final stage of the Halaf culture, commonly known as Late Halaf. The results are focussed on manufacturing techniques, with the aim to identify several pottery productions and variability patterns.
La comarca d'Osona es troba s~tuada a l'extrem NE. de la Depressió Central Catalana, en... more La comarca d'Osona es troba s~tuada a l'extrem NE. de la Depressió Central Catalana, entre el Prc-pirincu, la serralada transversal i la serralada prc-litoral. La seva estructura fonamental és la d'una conca deprimida central -la Plana de Vic-envolta-da pcr altiplans periferics ( ...
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symposium on ‘The emergence of pottery
in West Asia: the search for the origin of pyrotechnology’,
which was held at the University of Tsukuba,
Japan, on 29 and 30 October, 2009. This symposium
was the first serious meeting to discuss the Neolithic
pottery of this region by pottery experts. A corresponding
symposium was held for the Japanese
public by the same participants at the Ancient Orient
Museum in Tokyo on November 1, 2009.
Since the late 1990s, the typology and
of the Pottery Neolithic period in the Near East. Time and
space have been fi lled with presumably coherent cultural
“packages” as chronological frameworks were constructed
on simplistic material comparisons and an inadequate record
of radiocarbon dates. Archaeologists have struggled with
conceptualizing the “transitions” between these packages.
More recently, the increasing pace of fi eld research has made
it possible to defi ne new material assemblages. This has
resulted in an expanded typo-chronological vocabulary, but
it has also led to a reappraisal of pre-existing ceramic series
and their chronological terminologies. New insights in these
pottery assemblages and their morphological, typological
and stylistic traits form the basis for a redefi nition of
our actual cultural-chronological framework. This paper
will discuss two so-called transitional periods that have
received much recent attention. The fi rst concerns the initial
appearance of the pottery at the end of the PPNB period, and
is variously known as Transitional, Initial Pottery Neolithic
or Pre-Proto-Hassuna. The second concerns the emergence
of the Halaf and is variously known as Transitional or
Proto-Halaf. This paper shall discuss a new chronological
framework for conceptualizing these two transitions.
cal. BC through an appraisal of the main archaeological evidence dated in this period in these two large geographic areas. The
new data, mainly from recent archaeological excavations, have succeeded in identifying technological and economic dynamics in
neighbouring archaeological cultures in this period. Thus, the contributions of the new archaeological sequences at the major Late
Neolithic sites in Northern Mesopotamia (Sabi Abyad, Chagar Bazar, Tell Halula, Halaf, Domüztepe) have been able to define the
social dynamics associated with this culture and determine their influence on sites in the south. Sites of contemporary chronology
located in the Central Levant (Tell al-Baharia) have incorporated important new data to this research. The abundant information
from the Southern Levant reveals, despite significant elements of diversity, the existence of relations and exchanges between these
regions. Finally, it is shown that recent research in Northern Mesopotamia, mainly in Syria, but also in countries such as Jordan and
Israel provides a substantial database reflecting the technological, social and economic strategies associated with the Halaf culture
and other cultural groups identified as contemporary with it.
The pottery production from Tell Halula dating from the late Neolithic period reveals the economic and social complexity of this community in the middle Euphrates valley. Throughout the study of pottery assemblages from 1996 and 2007(els materials nomes son del 1996 i del 2007?) field work projects, we combine traditional morpho-stylistic analysis with technological ones and we present the current situation of the study of the final stage of the Halaf culture, commonly known as Late Halaf.
at the site of Chagar Bazar in northeastern Syria. A working
area of 450 m2 has been opened on the northwestern slopes
of the site, where a sequence of about 9 m of successive layers
of human occupation, covering a time span of some 600 to
700 years and the whole of the Halaf horizon, has been revealed.
At the base of the sequence, remains of human occupation
attributed to the Proto-Halaf phase and dated to the
beginning of the 6th millennium cal. bce, have been crucial
in understanding the characteristics and polygenic makeup
of this early horizon. The evolution of the occupation can
be followed until the final phase of the Halaf period, after
which the site was temporarily abandoned. From an architectural
point of view, the site is characterized by circular
buildings, often partly sunk into the deposits, which appear
simultaneously with"""
We especially emphasize modes of the occupation of spaces,
architecture and technology, as well as subsistence economy.
Finally, we evaluate the evidence that supports the continuity
of occupation at the site, factors that turn this stratigraphic
sequence one of the most complete in the northern Levant.
cal. bce occupations at Tell Halula. A diachronic interpretation
of that part of the sequence that covers the Pre-
Halaf and Halaf periods is at the core of our contribution.
We especially emphasize modes of the occupation of spaces,
architecture and technology, as well as subsistence economy.
Finally, we evaluate the evidence that supports the continuity
of occupation at the site, factors that turn this stratigraphic
sequence one of the most complete in the northern Levant.
symposium on ‘The emergence of pottery
in West Asia: the search for the origin of pyrotechnology’,
which was held at the University of Tsukuba,
Japan, on 29 and 30 October, 2009. This symposium
was the first serious meeting to discuss the Neolithic
pottery of this region by pottery experts. A corresponding
symposium was held for the Japanese
public by the same participants at the Ancient Orient
Museum in Tokyo on November 1, 2009.
Since the late 1990s, the typology and
of the Pottery Neolithic period in the Near East. Time and
space have been fi lled with presumably coherent cultural
“packages” as chronological frameworks were constructed
on simplistic material comparisons and an inadequate record
of radiocarbon dates. Archaeologists have struggled with
conceptualizing the “transitions” between these packages.
More recently, the increasing pace of fi eld research has made
it possible to defi ne new material assemblages. This has
resulted in an expanded typo-chronological vocabulary, but
it has also led to a reappraisal of pre-existing ceramic series
and their chronological terminologies. New insights in these
pottery assemblages and their morphological, typological
and stylistic traits form the basis for a redefi nition of
our actual cultural-chronological framework. This paper
will discuss two so-called transitional periods that have
received much recent attention. The fi rst concerns the initial
appearance of the pottery at the end of the PPNB period, and
is variously known as Transitional, Initial Pottery Neolithic
or Pre-Proto-Hassuna. The second concerns the emergence
of the Halaf and is variously known as Transitional or
Proto-Halaf. This paper shall discuss a new chronological
framework for conceptualizing these two transitions.
cal. BC through an appraisal of the main archaeological evidence dated in this period in these two large geographic areas. The
new data, mainly from recent archaeological excavations, have succeeded in identifying technological and economic dynamics in
neighbouring archaeological cultures in this period. Thus, the contributions of the new archaeological sequences at the major Late
Neolithic sites in Northern Mesopotamia (Sabi Abyad, Chagar Bazar, Tell Halula, Halaf, Domüztepe) have been able to define the
social dynamics associated with this culture and determine their influence on sites in the south. Sites of contemporary chronology
located in the Central Levant (Tell al-Baharia) have incorporated important new data to this research. The abundant information
from the Southern Levant reveals, despite significant elements of diversity, the existence of relations and exchanges between these
regions. Finally, it is shown that recent research in Northern Mesopotamia, mainly in Syria, but also in countries such as Jordan and
Israel provides a substantial database reflecting the technological, social and economic strategies associated with the Halaf culture
and other cultural groups identified as contemporary with it.
The pottery production from Tell Halula dating from the late Neolithic period reveals the economic and social complexity of this community in the middle Euphrates valley. Throughout the study of pottery assemblages from 1996 and 2007(els materials nomes son del 1996 i del 2007?) field work projects, we combine traditional morpho-stylistic analysis with technological ones and we present the current situation of the study of the final stage of the Halaf culture, commonly known as Late Halaf.
at the site of Chagar Bazar in northeastern Syria. A working
area of 450 m2 has been opened on the northwestern slopes
of the site, where a sequence of about 9 m of successive layers
of human occupation, covering a time span of some 600 to
700 years and the whole of the Halaf horizon, has been revealed.
At the base of the sequence, remains of human occupation
attributed to the Proto-Halaf phase and dated to the
beginning of the 6th millennium cal. bce, have been crucial
in understanding the characteristics and polygenic makeup
of this early horizon. The evolution of the occupation can
be followed until the final phase of the Halaf period, after
which the site was temporarily abandoned. From an architectural
point of view, the site is characterized by circular
buildings, often partly sunk into the deposits, which appear
simultaneously with"""
We especially emphasize modes of the occupation of spaces,
architecture and technology, as well as subsistence economy.
Finally, we evaluate the evidence that supports the continuity
of occupation at the site, factors that turn this stratigraphic
sequence one of the most complete in the northern Levant.
cal. bce occupations at Tell Halula. A diachronic interpretation
of that part of the sequence that covers the Pre-
Halaf and Halaf periods is at the core of our contribution.
We especially emphasize modes of the occupation of spaces,
architecture and technology, as well as subsistence economy.
Finally, we evaluate the evidence that supports the continuity
of occupation at the site, factors that turn this stratigraphic
sequence one of the most complete in the northern Levant.
in the context of a process of consolidation and professionalization
of the archaeological activity. In this context the existence of networks
that offer a faster distribution than traditional publications
on paper (monographs, Miscellaneous, etc.) allowed to create and
spread a variety of different publications of historical, archaeological,
artistic and scientist subject in a Catalan language. In this
sense the trajectory of a journal such as Cota Zero, with 25 issues
published allows us to understand and assess the main challenges
and the main constraints reached during the last 30 years related
to the Catalan archaeology spread.
understood in the framework of a process of consolidation and
professionalization of archaeological activity. In this context the
existence of channels that offer a faster distribution than traditional
paper publications (monographs, miscellaneous works, etc.) allows
the creation and spread in Catalan of a variety of different publications
of historical, archaeological, artistic and scientific interest.
In this sense, the trajectory of a journal such as Cota Zero, with
25 published issues, allows us to understand and assess the main
challenges and constraints attained during the last 30 years linked
to the dissemination of Catalonian archaeology.