From macrotraces to micro-tomography: a multi-scale approach for detecting and characterizing the “Spiralled Patchwork Technology” in Northern Mediterranean Neolithic pottery assemblages
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2022
- handle: 10670/1.zap9br
- hal: hal-03908897
Mots-clés
ceramic technology forming sequence chaîne opératoire macrotraces microfabrics μ-CT technical tradition European NeolithicSujets proches
Ceramics (Art) Ceramic art Pottery, Primitive Crockery Chinaware Earthenware Methods of analysis Analysis and chemistry Analytical methods Chemical analysis Analysis methods Analysis and examinationCiter ce document
Louise Gomart et al., « From macrotraces to micro-tomography: a multi-scale approach for detecting and characterizing the “Spiralled Patchwork Technology” in Northern Mediterranean Neolithic pottery assemblages », HAL-SHS : archéologie, ID : 10670/1.zap9br
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Résumé
The macro- and mesoscopic analysis of the Impresso-Cardial pottery assemblage from the Pendimoun rock shelter located in Castellar (Alpes-Maritimes, France) revealed a range of previously unrecognised macrotraces and mesostructures on all pottery vessels, independently of their shape or size. These traces suggested a forming sequence involving the juxtaposition and merging of “spiralled patches”. This chaîne opératoire is unique as it differs from all the operational sequences previously identified in the Early Neolithic contexts of Europe. The macrotraces and mesostructures indicative of the juxtaposition of spiralled patches are more or less visible depending on the state of preservation of the pottery. In addition, due to the lack of an archaeological or ethnographic refe- rence framework, the observations need to be completed in order to confirm the underlying technical actions. These limitations have led us to implement a multi-scale approach based on the analysis of archaeological and experimental samples, combining analysis of microfabrics, 3D surface scanning (topographical analysis) and micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) at different resolutions. Non-des- tructive μ-CT enables the identification of forming techniques and methods through the 3D visualisation of the internal architecture of the vessels, including interfaces between assembled elements, porous system, and mineral inclusions. Here we present the criteria for identifying this unique forming sequence, as well as the multi-scale approach we developed to build an integrated frame of reference for SPT used to support our archaeological interpretations.