A landmark for local communities. Compositional analysis of the early Iron Age sanctuary at Polizzello Mountain (Sicily, Italy)

Abstract

With this study we provide the compositional characterization of archaeological ceramics from the earliest phases of the indigenous sanctuary located on top of Polizzello Mountain, in Central Sicily (Italy). The site represents a remarkable evidence of the Late Bronze Age (LBA) - Early Iron Age (EIA) transition on the island, and it is characterized by the striking occurrence of material offerings in the form of ritually fragmented and highly standardized objects. The presence of multiple structures and the frequent evidence of dining activities, has led to the idea that the hilltop represented an important landmark for local indigenous communities across the landscape of Central Sicily. To test such hypothesis, bulk compositional analysis was used for the ceramics from the EIA levels of the sanctuary at Polizzello Mountain. Sixty-eight diagnostic specimens were analyzed via Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) to discriminate among distinct pottery groups according to the composition of their paste. The outcomes show little but clear compositional variations between three main pottery groups, which likely reflect the geographic background of the communities gathering at the sanctuary.