The introduction of agricultural practices has led to the adoption of new technologies for the treatment, cooking and preservation of new foods, such as cereals. Moreover, pottery manufacture required improvements in pyrotechnology. These new production processes have prompted Neolithic communities to conceive innovative structures, specifically dedicated to these activities. This paper intends to demonstrate that applying a multidisciplinary methodology it is possible to identify the nature and function of a particular kind of pyrotechnological structure such as the sunken ovens. To this end, the early Neolithic site of Portonovo provides a unique case study for Italy: 23 ovens were found, 7 of which are intact. The C14 dates (5800-5200 BCE), allow us to observe the persistence of the structural model and to assess that the same area was used for hundreds of years. Indeed, in the second half of the VI millennium BC some of these ovens were reused as graves. Combining archaeological observation, archaeometric analyses and experimental replication we attempt to understand techniques, tool-kit, energy investment required to make the ovens, their function and functioning, lifespan and, possibly, social value. This site represents a unique evidence for this kind of pyrotechnological structures in Italy. Therefore, this research contributed to widen the data set of the early Italian Neolithic not only relatively to chronology and materials, but above all to technological and social aspects. Archaeometric methods have been applied for the reconstruction of pyrotechnological processes. The results were used as guiding lines for experimental tests of reconstruction, which included an oven for food processing, baking, and pottery firing. The first conference on Early Neolithic will be a unvaluable arena to discuss both the utilitarian and social role of pyrotechnological structures among Early Neolithic communities.
A multidisciplinary approach to the study of Early Neolithic pyrotechnological structures. The case study of Portonovo, Central Italy / CONATI BARBARO, Cecilia. - (2019), pp. 162-163. (Intervento presentato al convegno First Conference on the Early Neolithic of Europe tenutosi a Barcellona).
A multidisciplinary approach to the study of Early Neolithic pyrotechnological structures. The case study of Portonovo, Central Italy
Conati Barbaro Cecilia
Writing – Original Draft Preparation
2019
Abstract
The introduction of agricultural practices has led to the adoption of new technologies for the treatment, cooking and preservation of new foods, such as cereals. Moreover, pottery manufacture required improvements in pyrotechnology. These new production processes have prompted Neolithic communities to conceive innovative structures, specifically dedicated to these activities. This paper intends to demonstrate that applying a multidisciplinary methodology it is possible to identify the nature and function of a particular kind of pyrotechnological structure such as the sunken ovens. To this end, the early Neolithic site of Portonovo provides a unique case study for Italy: 23 ovens were found, 7 of which are intact. The C14 dates (5800-5200 BCE), allow us to observe the persistence of the structural model and to assess that the same area was used for hundreds of years. Indeed, in the second half of the VI millennium BC some of these ovens were reused as graves. Combining archaeological observation, archaeometric analyses and experimental replication we attempt to understand techniques, tool-kit, energy investment required to make the ovens, their function and functioning, lifespan and, possibly, social value. This site represents a unique evidence for this kind of pyrotechnological structures in Italy. Therefore, this research contributed to widen the data set of the early Italian Neolithic not only relatively to chronology and materials, but above all to technological and social aspects. Archaeometric methods have been applied for the reconstruction of pyrotechnological processes. The results were used as guiding lines for experimental tests of reconstruction, which included an oven for food processing, baking, and pottery firing. The first conference on Early Neolithic will be a unvaluable arena to discuss both the utilitarian and social role of pyrotechnological structures among Early Neolithic communities.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
