The Social Function of Cooking Structures during the Neolithic. A View from the Central Mediterranean

Fire structures such as ovens, hearths and cooking pits occur quite frequently within Neolithic settlements, inside or outside dwellings. According to their location, they can be associated with communal or individual activities, often connected with food processing and cooking. Beyond their utilitarian function, these structures embody a strong symbolic value. This paper aims to examine ovens and fire pits found in several Italian Neolithic sites and to understand their social role among the Neolithic communities. In this regard, the construction materials and techniques, the type of fuel, the presence of additional features, the location of these facilities within settlements will be discussed