Ritual Depositions versus Garbage Pits: A Re-evaluation of Pottery Deposits and Offering Pits at the Late Bronze Age City of Hala Sultan Tekke, Cyprus

Abstract

This paper examines the material from a number of pits and wells from suburban areas of Hala Sultan Tekke, Cyprus. The aim is to identify pits and wells which contain intentionally deposited material other than rubbish. The Late Bronze Age metropolis of Hala Sultan Tekke offers an excellent opportunity for this study, as a considerable number of pits and wells spanning the complete Late Cypriot Bronze Age were excavated and well-documented over the course of almost five decades of archaeological research. As we have very little evidence of ritual practice – distinct cultic structures are as yet unknown at Hala Sultan Tekke – the re-evaluation of selected pottery deposits will offer a key towards a better understanding of possible ritual activities. In addition, Hala Sultan Tekke is – so far – the only Late Cypriot site, where we can see a clear connection between offering pits containing mainly pottery deposits and tombs, as these structures are found in close proximity to each other. This situation supports the view that the material from the offering pits reflects specific rituals for the deceased. Finally, the evidence of ritual feasting at other Late Cypriot sites, such as Kouklia Evreti, Kalavasos Ayios Dhimitrios and Enkomi, will briefly be discussed in order to present a more comprehensive picture.