Pottery Ethnoarchaeology and Archaeology of Neolithic

Abstract

Pottery fragments are the most numerous finds on Neolithic sites throughout the Central Balkans. Chronological systems in Neolithic archaeology are based upon ceramic forms and ornamental techniques. Unfortunately, many other aspects of pottery have been neglected. Pottery ethnoarchaeology, along with experimental and interdisciplinary research, must be used as the main source of information about certain aspects of production and use of ceramic vessels, as well as in the reconstruction of social organisation, labor division and labor investment in ceramic production, vessel use-life, breakage and discard patterns, among others. A methodology of use-wear trace identification – abrasion, carbon deposition and surface attrition – on Early Neolithic pottery from the site of Blagotin was established according to the results of ethnoarchaeological research among traditional communities. Ethnoarchaeological evidence was also the main source of information in researching technological aspects of pottery production such as forming techniques and firing procedures, as well as the emergence of standardisation and craft specialisation in the production of Late Neolithic pottery from Vinča.