Abstract
Abstract Organic-tempered pottery is considered characteristic for the early pottery assemblages in most parts of Southwest Asia and Southeast Europe. The aim of the present paper is to explore: (a) the chronological consistency of this practice, i.e. is it always related to the early assemblages and how intensively was it employed by the various communities? and (b) is its use related to vessel type, surface treatment etc. and how does this change in time and space? In order to address these questions we explore the distribution patterns of this practice in this large geographical area, based on published information, since the appearance of pottery in the Near East until the early sixth millennium in Southeast Europe. Moreover, in the case of the Early Neolithic in Greece, new data is presented on the appearance and distribution of organic-tempered pottery within the assemblages of six newly studied sites in northern Greece, spanning the second half of the seventh millennium BC and the beginning of the sixth millennium BC. The emerging picture indicates that the cultural practice of organic tempering was available in all of this area for almost a millennium, although the significations may have not remained unaltered, and variably embraced by the various Neolithic communities. As such, this study offers insights into the complex process of neolithisation, and at the same time contextualizes the appearance of organic-tempering in northern Greece, which includes some of the earliest Neolithic sites in Europe.
Highlights
Organic-tempered pottery refers to the deliberate technological act of adding plant-derived material to the clay during paste preparation
If we perceive organic tempering as one of the choices open to Early Neolithic communities, we focus on the actual practice itself, not as a proxy for a supra community event but as an embedded part of their daily life
The ceramic assemblages of six new sites in central and western Macedonia were studied in detail (Figure 1(57, 58, 60–62, and 65)), offering insights into the position of the practice of organic tempering within the local pottery technologies, as well as quantified data The pottery assemblages were studied in the framework of the Thales-Exploring research programme5 using the following methodology: Initially, all the sherds were studied in three main aspects: surface treatment and colour, general shape, and quantity of inclusions in the ceramic fabric based on macroscopic examination
Summary
Organic-tempered pottery refers to the deliberate technological act of adding plant-derived material (such as chaff, straw, and dung) to the clay during paste preparation. In archaeological contexts, it is recognised through the existence of macroscopic and microscopic plant remains (phytoliths) and characteristic voids distributed within the fabric of fired vessels. It is recognised through the existence of macroscopic and microscopic plant remains (phytoliths) and characteristic voids distributed within the fabric of fired vessels As a practice, it is considered a trademark for early pottery. Special Issue: THE EARLY NEOLITHIC OF EUROPE, edited by F.
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