Manufacturing technical differences employing raw earth at the protohistoric site of Sant Jaume (Alcanar, Tarragona, Spain): Construction and furniture elements

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an ongoing micromorphological investigation that aims at identifying the use of raw earth during the protohistoric period in the NE region of the Iberian Peninsula at the Early Iron Age site of Sant Jaume (Alcanar, Tarragona, Spain). The current manufactured raw earth elements (mainly composed of sun-dried mixed clays, sands, gravels and vegetal components) have been analyzed. This preliminary research has been integrated into a typological classification that could improve understanding of the manufacturing methods, use and postdepositional processes that might have taken place in Sant Jaume. The emerging patterns suggest that two different techniques were used in manufacture: 1) furniture elements (e.g. boxes and containers) and 2) construction elements (those inherent to the structure of the building: e.g. ceilings, shelves).