Inter- and Intrasite Variability and Social Interaction in Prehistoric Bronze Age Cyprus: Types, Ranges, and Trends

Abstract

Any study of social complexity must place the individual site within broader structures of relationship with others. Having accepted that considerable regional diversity existed in the earlier Bronze Age of Cyprus, we can now concentrate on measuring the intensity or nature of social interaction, or defining social boundaries. Until now we have lacked a common, appropriate system of ceramic description suitable for assessing variability within and between sites, and between regions. Conventional classifications usually force material into discrete types, which mask or exaggerate differences. In addition, scholars often compare individual artifacts, rather than total assemblages. Where pottery is described at an assemblage level, analyses can look beyond designated types toward a definition of ranges and trends. Such indications of comparative variability should provide better bases for defining location and form of boundaries, and for assessing the technological and idiographic transfer across them. Preliminary analyses of data from current excavations at the large Early to Middle Cypriot Bronze Age settlement of Marki Alonia are used to demonstrate aspects of this approach.