The application of pottery attribute analysis: A case-study from the Neolithic complex of Kordin, Malta

Abstract

The Late Neolithic of the Maltese Islands is constituted by a complex megalithic landscape of aggregation sites above and below ground. A focus on these ‘temples’ has dominated the debate. In particular, a functional approach to technology has resulted in restricted ceramic typologies seen as largely secondary to ‘megalithic society.’ While correlated with available radiocarbon dates and stratigraphy, the existing typology is primarily concerned with vessel shapes. To date, there has been no attempt to investigate the tools and motor actions used to produce pottery. This paper explores this debate through the case-study of the Kordin cluster, focusing on an attribute-based approach to the ceramic repertoire. The Kordin group originally consisted of three temple complexes, of which only one survives. This paper examines all surviving material, curated at the National Museum of Archaeology (Valletta), paying particular attention to ceramics. The analysis of ceramics identifies the range of tools and motor actions used in production using a statistically justifiable method. The results show the range of technological actions used throughout the Late Neolithic, thus providing a more complete picture beyond megaliths.