The Missing Step of Pottery chaîne opératoire : Considering Post-firing Treatments on Ceramic Vessels Using Macro- and Microscopic Observation and Molecular Analysis

Post-firing treatments, produced by the interaction of an organic material with the hot surface of a ceramic, are frequently described in ethnographic literature, but have rarely been identified in archaeological ceramic assemblages. In order to address this question, this paper describes a methodology that combines macro- and microscopic observation and molecular analysis. The study of experimental ceramic vessels provided diagnostic tools to identify the type of substances, their liquid or solid state, and their mode of application and attested that the post-firing treatments do not completely waterproof the ceramics. The difficulty to observe macro- and microscopic evidence of post-firing treatments when pots are fired in reducing atmosphere suggests that these processes are probably underestimated in archaeological assemblages. Furthermore, the identification of molecular thermal transformation markers, such as ketones, calls into question their classical interpretation as markers for the cooking of fatty content. This pioneering work highlights the complexity of studying post-firing treatments, which leave small traces that are easily missed or misinterpreted. In order to address this issue, we propose a multi-analytical approach, which can serve as a basis for future studies to explore the full diversity of post-firing treatments mentioned in ethnoarchaeological literature

Les occupations Hallstatt et néolithique ancien des Haies Blanches 2 (Le Coudray-Montceaux, Essonne)

National audienceLes occupations Hallstatt et néolithique ancien des Haies Blanches 2 (Le Coudray-Montceaux, Essonne

La grotte de Pertus II : rapport de fouille

La grotte de Pertus II : rapport de fouill

Chronologie des productions céramiques et dynamiques culturelles du Chasséen de Provence

This paper, through the study of a large ceramic corpus including 12,600 diagnostic elements and more than 2,500 complete profiles, supported by radiocarbon dating analysis, defines a new chronology for the Chassey culture in Provence. The consistency of most important cave deposits and assemblages has been taken in account. These data bases have been described using a multi-parameter grid, taking into account aspects regarding technology (clay source selection and processing practice, construction, surface finishing techniques and thermal treatments), morphology (pottery shapes, handles and types of appendices, decoration) and function (volume and inventory of preserved waste). Experimental approaches were used with regard to surface treatments, since such treatments were particularly developed during this period. These experimental approaches participated in the creation of typologies which allowed us to compare the elements of the corpus. If we decide to include the “ Recent Neolithic” in which the Chassey culture tradition is relatively strong, at least six stages, covering a period from 4250 to 3300 cal. BC were identified by means of statistical analysis. Horizon A corresponds to deep pits 3 and 7 of the Nice-Giribaldi site (4250-4050 cal. BC). The pottery assemblages show the development of the typical Chassey package : pots with multi-perforated cordons or “ Pan-pipes”, spoons with flat handles, plates with a complex scratched decoration and “ vases-supports”, whether decorated or not. Very few sites can be linked to this early stage. Posterior to the Early Chassey period (horizon A, 4250-4050 cal. BC), five major periods have been highlighted among the Classical and Late Chassey assemblages. The number of sites seems to have increased. Horizon B, illustrated by Caucade (Nice) can be dated to between 4050 and 3950 cal. BC. Horizon C groups Fontbrégoua levels 19-24, Les Terres Longues, Claparouse and L’Héritière (stage B). It can be dated to between 3950-3800 cal. BC. Horizon D, dated to between 3800 and 3650 cal. BC, has been divided into two sub-groups, with very close radiocarbon dates. Horizon E corresponds to the previously defined Recent Neolithic. It could be dated to between 3650 and 3350 cal. BC. The Chassey culture tradition still appears but assemblage structures show important changes. The trend of pottery assemblage structures shows gradual changes at different levels : pottery shapes, handle and appendix types, construction and surface finishing techniques (in particular, patina finishing techniques increase). This trend is very close to that proposed for lithic production techniques : conical core shapes with faceted platforms during horizon B and maybe continuing in C, the appearance of mixed styles during horizon C, the development of flat cores with oblique platforms during horizon D1 and the development, during horizon D2, of lever pressure for knapping large blades. In the north-western Mediterranean context, these data allow, on the one hand, to link the main stages of the Southern Chassey Culture and, on the other, to apprehend the various dynamic trend evolutions of the Provençal Chassey culture. The subsequent distribution of characteristics isolated in Provence suggested modifications within regional tropisms, which led to a separation of the Provence and Languedoc areas. In fact, during the Early Chassey series and the first stage of the Late Chassey culture, the trend observed in Provence is extremely close to that observed in Languedoc. On the other hand, the last period reveals impressive reciprocal influences with the Middle Rhone valley and, northwards, with the “ Burgundian Middle Neolithic” (NMB), Cortaillod and Lagozza assemblages. Nevertheless, the Provence Chassey culture retains various specificities. Moreover, the ceramics assemblage shows, during the same stage, the constitution of local styles which are distinguished in particular by productions of carinated cups or bowls, extremely varied both morphologically and technically. This research leads to serious reconsideration of the Provençal styles which result from the syncretism of several interfluences and long-lived local traditions.À travers l’étude statistique d’un corpus céramique important, appuyée par une analyse raisonnée des datations 14C, cet article définit une nouvelle chronologie du Chasséen de Provence. Si toutefois on décide d’y inclure le «Néolithique récent » dans lequel la tradition chasséenne est relativement forte, au moins six étapes, qui couvrent une période allant de 4250 à 3300 av. J.-C., ont été isolées. La remise en contexte de ces données à l’échelle de la Méditerranée nord-occidentale permet d’une part de proposer une articulation entre les principaux horizons de l’aire méridionale et d’autre part d’aborder une discussion sur les différentes tendances de l’évolution des dynamiques culturelles provençales. Pendant le Chasséen ancien et les premières étapes du Chasséen récent, les styles provençaux semblent extrêmement liés au Languedoc. En revanche, les dernières étapes témoignent de solides interactions avec le Néolithique moyen bourguignon (NMB), le Lagozza et le Cortaillod, alors que les relations avec le domaine languedocien s’amenuisent. L’étude a aussi montré la constitution de styles locaux qui se distinguent notamment par des productions de coupes ou de jattes carénées. Ils soulignent en outre le rôle majeur de sphères d’influence plus restreintes dans la constitution des assemblages céramiques. Par-delà ces variations chronologiques et géographiques, ce travail aborde la question de variabilité des assemblages céramiques selon le statut des sites. Ce travail amène ainsi un renouvellement profond des connaissances sur le Chasséen provençal dont la construction identitaire fondamentalement complexe résulte d’un syncrétisme entre plusieurs focales d’interfluences (à l’échelle du complexe, à l’échelle régionale et enfin à une échelle plus locale) et le poids de traditions locales relativement vivaces.Lepère Cédric. Chronologie des productions céramiques et dynamiques culturelles du Chasséen de Provence. In: Bulletin de la Société préhistorique française, tome 109, n°3, 2012. pp. 513-545

La céramique chasséenne de Saint-Martin, Malaucène (Vaucluse): Malaucène - Saint-Martin (Vaucluse). Rapport d'opération archéologique

La céramique chasséenne de Saint-Martin, Malaucène (Vaucluse

Le Clos de Roques (Saint-Maximin ; Var) : étude de la céramique: Saint-Maximin - Clos de Roques (Var). Rapport d'opération archéologique

Le Clos de Roques (Saint-Maximin ; Var) : étude de la céramiqu

La céramique chasséenne de Saint-Martin, Malaucène (Vaucluse): Malaucène - Saint-Martin (Vaucluse). Rapport d'opération archéologique

La céramique chasséenne de Saint-Martin, Malaucène (Vaucluse

Etude des productions céramiques de Saint-Martin Malaucène: rapport de fouille

Etude des productions céramiques de Saint-Martin Malaucèn

Roquesteron-Grasse - La Bréguée (Alpes-Maritimes). Rapport d'opération archéologique: Roquesteron-Grasse - La Bréguée. Rapport d'opération archéologique

Roquesteron-Grasse - La Bréguée (Alpes-Maritimes). Rapport d'opération archéologiqu

Etude des productions céramiques de Saint-Martin Malaucène: rapport de fouille

Etude des productions céramiques de Saint-Martin Malaucèn