Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology)

Comments on John Scarry's Fort Walton Type-Variety Paper

by Jeffrey M. Mitchem

Published in "The Florida Anthropologist" Vol. 38(3):240-241. September, 1985.

Comments on Some Ceramic Pastes of the Central Peninsular Gulf Coast

by Jeffrey M. Mitchem

Published in "The Florida Anthropologist" Vol. 39(1-2):68-74, March-June, 1986.

28.1 Call for Papers_1 week left!_Archaeological Review from Cambridge: Archaeology and Cultural Mixing

by Paul van Pelt

Preliminary report of Middle Bronze Age ceramic analyses from Százhalombatta

by Attila Kreiter

Kreiter A. 2005. Preliminary report of Middle Bronze Age ceramic analyses from Százhalombatta. In Poroszlai, I. – Vicze, M. (eds.) Emergence of European Communities Archaeological Research Report. Százhalombatta archaeological expedition annual report 2. 187-194.

Kora vaskori korongolt kerámia a Kárpát-medencében – Early Iron Age wheel made ceramics in the Carpathian Basin

by Attila Kreiter

Czifra, Sz. – Kreiter, A. – Széles, É. – Tóth, M. – Viktorik, O. 2012 (in press). Kora vaskori korongolt kerámia a Kárpát-medencében – Early Iron Age wheel made ceramics in the Carpathian Basin. Archaeometriai Műhely/Archaeometry Workshop

Along the M31 Motorway at Nagytarcsa−Urasági-dűlő amongst other periods an Early Iron Age settlement section was... more Along the M31 Motorway at Nagytarcsa−Urasági-dűlő amongst other periods an Early Iron Age settlement section was excavated. Wheel-made wares, represented amongst the finds from the Scythian period of the settlement, directed our attention to the problems concerning Early Iron Age wheel-made pottery. Forty-four sherds were selected from the ceramic material of the settlement, which were examined by the usual typological methods of archaeology and were also submitted for microscopic and petrographic analysis. Ceramic analyses were also supplemented by petrographic analysis of sediments, which were collected at the site. Three sherds, characteristic of the Vekerzug culture (a wheel-made biconical pot or plate; a hand-built bowl with inverted rim; and a hand-built barrel-shaped pot), were examined by LA-ICP-MS and XRD analyses to identify possible connections and variations between the raw materials and tempers in the different ceramic types. One of the aims of our analyses was to determine the provenance of the ceramics and to assess whether the technological characteristics postulate the former existence of specialized workshop at the site, since wheel-made wares required distinctive technological knowledge.

Kerámiák petrográfiai vizsgálata - Petrographic analysis of ceramics

by Attila Kreiter

Kreiter, A. – Viktorik, O. 2012 (in press) Kerámiák petrográfiai vizsgálata. In Mészáros, O. Vác – Piac utca: A középkori Vác német városrészének régészeti feltárásat- Vác – Piac utca: the excavation of the German part of Medieval Vác. VIA Kulturális örökségvédelmi kismonográfiák. Budapest: Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum

Tiszai és lengyeli kultúra kerámiáinak petrográfiai vizsgálata Aszód-Papi földek lelőhelyről, valamint a összehasonlítása helyi üledékekkel – Petrographic analysis of Tisza and Lengyel culture ceramics from the site at Aszód-Papi földek and their comparison with local sediments

by Attila Kreiter

Kreiter, A. – Viktorik, O. 2012 (in press) Tiszai és lengyeli kultúra kerámiáinak petrográfiai vizsgálata Aszód-Papi földek lelőhelyről, valamint a összehasonlítása helyi üledékekkel – Petrographic analysis of Tisza and Lengyel culture ceramics from the site at Aszód-Papi földek and their comparison with local sediments. In Kalicz, N. – Siklósi, Zs. – Kovács, K. (szerk.): Aszód–Papi földek késő neolitikus lelőhely: kapcsolat kelet és nyugat között.

Archaeometric investigation of Celtic graphitic pottery from two archaeological sites in Hungary

by Attila Kreiter

Havancsák I. – Bajnóczi B. – Tóth M. – Kreiter A. – Szöllősi Sz 2012 (in press). Archaeometric investigation of Celtic graphitic pottery from two archaeological sites in Hungary. In Martinon-Torres, M. (Ed.). From Craft to Science. Proceedings of the 9th European Meeting on Ancient Ceramics (EMAC '09) London, UK, 10-13 September 2009

The use of graphite has a prominent role in pottery making during the La Tène period. The term “graphitic ware” is... more The use of graphite has a prominent role in pottery making during the La Tène period. The term “graphitic ware” is commonly used for situla-like pots. Extended trade in Celtic times is evidenced by the widespread occurrence of graphite-bearing ceramics, far away from restricted graphite sources.
Graphite-bearing and non-graphitic ceramics were investigated from two Celtic sites, Dunaszentgyörgy 6.sz. főút (LT B2-C1) and Bátaszék-Körtvélyes dűlő (LT D) in South Hungary.
The aim of the research was to compare the characteristics of the graphitic raw material as well as the host vessels found at the two sites and to provide a preliminarily outline about the possible provenance of graphite.
Graphitic ceramics from Dunaszentgyörgy and Bátaszék contain graphite fragments and clasts of graphitic paragneiss. Graphitic rocks with sillimanite and kyanite cannot be found in outcrops in the territory of Hungary. According to the mineralogical composition, the potential source for graphitic (para)gneiss found in the Dunaszentgyörgy and Bátaszék ceramics can be restricted to the Variegated unit of the Moldanubicum zone.

A Neolitikum Kronológiai Kérdései Becsehely-Bükkaljai-dűlő lelőhelyen – Chronological questions of the Neolithic at Becsehely-Bükkaljai-dűlő

by Attila Kreiter

Kalicz, N. – Kreiter, A. – Kreiter, E. – Tokai, Z. M 2012 (in press). A Neolitikum Kronológiai Kérdései Becsehely-Bükkaljai-dűlő lelőhelyen – Chronological questions of the Neolithic at Becsehely-Bükkaljai-dűlő. In MOMOS-Őskoros Kutatók IV. Összejövetele, 2006. (the article is in Hungarian with Englsih abstract)

Bronzkori kerámiák technológiai vizsgálata Százhalombatta-Földvárról – Examination of Bronze Age ceramic technology from Százhalombatta-Földvár, Hungary

by Attila Kreiter

Kreiter, A. 2012 (in press). Bronzkori kerámiák technológiai vizsgálata Százhalombatta-Földvárról – Examination of Bronze Age ceramic technology from Százhalombatta-Földvár, Hungary. In MOMOS-Őskoros Kutatók IV. Összejövetele, 2006. (the article is in Hungarian with Englsih abstract)

The aim of this study is to examines the relationship between ceramic technology and chronology through the case study... more The aim of this study is to examines the relationship between ceramic technology and chronology through the case study of the Nagyrév and Vatya Bronze Age tell settlement at Százhalombatta, Hungary. In the Hungarian archaeological tradition research often focuses upon vessel shape and decoration. Form and decoration are then used to establish typological categories. Artefact types are viewed as chronological indices marking a phase or period within a given cultural group.
In order to assess the relationship between material culture and chronology, in addition to their form and decoration, their manufacturing technology also needs to be assessed. In pottery studies technology is often considered as limited by functional and environmental constraints. As opposed to this view this paper considers technology as a social phenomenon and highlights the relationship between manufacturing sequences and technological tradition.
By the means of ceramic petrological analysis this study establishes a strong relationship between the Nagyrév and Vatya periods at Százhalombatta in terms of technological practices and argues for the continuity and complex relationship between them. The strength of tradition depends on the reproduction of people’s social and technical knowledge through time and it seems that Nagyrév and Vatya potters had similar conceptions of how technological tradition should be maintained. This implies common social networks and common perceptions of the reproduction of material culture. The technological similarities between the Nagyrév and Vatya at Százhalombatta indicate their common cultural tradition.

A balatonszárszói neolit korú kerámia leletegyüttes archeometriai vizsgálata – Archaeometric investigation of Neolithic ceramics from a site at Balatonszárszó

by Attila Kreiter

Zsók, I. – Szakmány, Gy. – Kreiter, A. – Marton, T. 2012 (in press) A balatonszárszói neolit korú kerámia leletegyüttes archeometriai vizsgálata – Archaeometric investigation of Neolithic ceramics from a site at Balatonszárszó. In Kreiter, A. – Pető, Á. – Tugya, B. (szerk): Környezet –Ember –Kultúra: az alkalmazott természettudományok és a régészet párbeszéde. (the article is Hungarian with English abstract)

This study provides the result of an archaeometric analysis on Middle European Linear Pottery culture ceramics from... more This study provides the result of an archaeometric analysis on Middle European Linear Pottery culture ceramics from Balatonszárszó Kis-erdei dűlő. Representative samples were examined by macroscopic, petrographic and X-ray powder diffraction methods. One-hundred and sixty-four ceramic samples were selected for petrographic study from which twelve samples were submitted for X-ray powder diffraction analysis. The aim of the analyses was to assess possible technological similarities or differences in the subsequent archaeological phases of the Linear Pottery Culture at the site that can be identified by a ceramic petrological method. At Balatonszárszó five main phases of the Linear Pottery Culture were distinguished archaeologically and finds of the Sopot culture also came to light, from which representative samples were also included in the analyses. For the comparison of ceramics the qualitative and quantitative differences of non-plastic inclusions in the ceramic raw materials were assessed and the characteristics of the ceramic fabrics were also described. The macroscopic and petrographic analyses were supplemented by X-ray diffraction analysis in order to examine the very fine-grained composition of the ceramics and also to gain information on firing temperatures.
In considering the archaeological phases at the site the variability in ceramic technology has increased towards the younger phases of the settlement. That is, technological variability has increased through time, which reflected in the wider selection of local raw materials and tempers. The most common tempering practice through the archaeological phases, except for the Sopot culture ceramics, was the use of vegetal material. Vegetal tempering was utilized for calcareous and non-calcareous raw materials. In the second phase very fine-grained ceramics without tempering also appeared and this raw material has remained in use and increased towards the younger phases. In the second phase a calcareous, but more sandy raw material also appeared with the traditional method of vegetal tempering. In the third phase, apart from the previous raw materials, a calcareous one without vegetal tempering became in use just as very fine to fine-grained raw materials also without vegetal tempering. In phase four the technological variability decresead, which change is also reflected in the typological variability in this phase. Phase five shows the highest technological variability and vegetal tempering was still in use.

Kelta kerámiák archeometriai vizsgálatának eredményei Bátaszék-Körtvélyes-dűlő lelőhelyről – Archaeometric investigation of Celtic ceramics from a site at Bátaszék-Körtvélyes-dűlő

by Attila Kreiter

Pánczél, P. – Kreiter, A. – Szakmány, Gy. 2012 (in press) Kelta kerámiák archeometriai vizsgálatának eredményei Bátaszék-Körtvélyes-dűlő lelőhelyről – Archaeometric investigation of Celtic ceramics from a site at Bátaszék-Körtvélyes-dűlő. In Kreiter, A. – Pető, Á. – Tugya, B. (szerk): Környezet –Ember –Kultúra: az alkalmazott természettudományok és a régészet párbeszéde. (the article is in Hungarian with English abstract)

In this study an archaeometric investigation is carried out on Celtic non-graphitic ceramics from Bátaszék–Körtvélyes... more In this study an archaeometric investigation is carried out on Celtic non-graphitic ceramics from Bátaszék–Körtvélyes dűlő (also known as Bátaszék–Kálvária-domb). The aim of this investigation is to characterise the raw materials, in particular the non-plastic inclusions of the ceramics and also to establish the provenance of their raw materials. It is also aimed at assessing the production technology of the different vessel types and examining possible relationships between raw materials, tempers and vessel types. By the means of archaeometric analyses we would like to provide an insight in the organisation and mode of Celtic ceramic production.
In this study one-hundred and twenty-one ceramic samples and four potential local raw materials were examined by petrographic analysis in detail. By the means of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) the geochemical characteristics of ceramics and local raw materials are assessed. Cathodoluminescence microscopy (CL) was applied to analyse the non-plastic inclusions utilised for tempering the vessels. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS) was also used to determine the mineral phases observed in CL.
The ceramics were grouped according to their non-plastic components revealed by petrographic analysis. The main non-plastic inclusions of the ceramics are quartz (mono- and polycrystalline), feldspar (potash and plagioclase), mica (muscovite and biotite), calcareous inclusions and granitic fragments. Petrographic analysis revealed that the raw materials of the ceramics were very similar. They differ in that one group of coarse ceramics were tempered with sand that contained granitic fragments while another group of coarse ceramics were tempered with crushed granitic rock fragments. Tempering material was not observed in very fine-grained ceramics. The petrographic composition of local sediments agreed well with that of the non-plastic components of the ceramics. The petrographic results were also underlined by the main and trace element composition of the ceramics and local sediments. A more detailed analysis of non-plastic inclusions by CL showed that the raw materials used for tempering the ceramics have similar luminosity to that type of inclusions in the local sediments. According to the Scanning Electron Microscopic analysis the composition of mineral phases with similar luminosity in the ceramics and local sediments were similar. The results of these analyses suggest that the ceramics were most probably locally made from local raw materials although specialization could be identified in the very fine-grained wheel made vessels and in the case of granitic-tempered wheel made and handmade vessels.

Ceramic technology and the materiality of Celtic graphitic pottery

by Attila Kreiter

Kreiter A. – Bajnóczi B. – Havancsák I. – Tóth M. – Szakmány, Gy. – Szöllősi Sz. 2012 (in press). Ceramic technology and the materiality of Celtic graphitic pottery. In Sabatini, S. – Alberti, M. E. (Eds.) Exchange networks and local transformations: interactions and local changes in Europe and the Mediterranean between Bronze and Iron Age. Oxford: Oxbow.

The Celtic “graphitic ware” is a widespread, distinctive type of pottery, found in most parts of the Central European... more The Celtic “graphitic ware” is a widespread, distinctive type of pottery, found in most parts of the Central European Celtic world. In Celtic research the term “graphitic ware” is commonly used for a special typological group of ceramics, the most characteristic of which are the situla-like pots or beakers that have a wide mouth, an inverted or swollen rim, accentuated shoulder and a wide, flat bottom. They are typically decorated with vertically incised bundles of lines.
This paper examines the technological aspects of Celtic ceramics obtained from a settlement at Dunaszentgyörgy (Hungary). They were examined by using polarising microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA). In this paper we will concentrate on the well-known, yet little-understood graphite-tempered situla-like pots of the Celts. The possible similarities and differences of graphitic and non-graphitic wares are also examined in terms of raw material compositions.
Multidisciplinary research has the potential to provide valuable insights into social aspects of prehistoric graphite procurement and the reasons behind manufacturing such pottery. It should be emphasised that we need to move beyond mere functionalist interpretations of pottery technology and raw materials because these practices divorce past human interactions with minerals from wider cognitive, symbolic, phenomenological and social contexts. Within pre-industrial societies minerals are frequently interwoven into not just economic and material, but also social, cosmological, mythical, spiritual and philosophical aspects of life.

Hallstatt és szkíta kerámiák vizsgálata Nagytarcsa-Urasági dűlő lelőhelyről – Ceramic analyses of Hallstatt and Scythian ceramics from Nagytarcsa-Urasági dűlő

by Attila Kreiter

Kreiter, A. – Czifra, Sz. – Tóth, M. – Széles, É. – Viktorik, O. 2012 (in press). Hallstatt és szkíta kerámiák vizsgálata Nagytarcsa-Urasági dűlő lelőhelyről – Ceramic analyses of Hallstatt and Scythian ceramics from Nagytarcsa-Urasági dűlő. In. Kvassay, J. (Szerk./ed.) Évkönyv és jelentés a K.Ö.SZ. 2009. évi feltárásairól. Field Service for Cultural Heritage 2009 Yearbook and review of archaeological investigations. Budapest: Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum Nemzeti Örökségvédelmi Központ. (the article is bilingual, Hungarian/English)

Petrographic, LA-ICP-MS and XRD analyses of Hallstatt type ceramics from a Scythian settlement in north Hungary

by Attila Kreiter

Kreiter, A. – Czifra, Sz. – Tóth, M. – Széles, É. – Viktorik, O. (in press) Petrographic, LA-ICP-MS and XRD analyses of Hallstatt type ceramics from a Scythian settlement in north Hungary. Bergerbrant, S. – Sabatini, S. (Eds.) Bronze Age and beyond. BAR IS. Oxford: Archaeopress

Materializing tradition: ceramic production in Early Neolithic Hungary

by Attila Kreiter

Kreiter, A. – Pető, Á. – Pánczél, P. 2012 (in press) Materializing tradition: ceramic production in Early Neolithic Hungary. In Bánffy, E. (ed.) The Early Neolithic of the Duna-Tisza Interfluve, southern Hungary. BAR

Kerámia technológiai vizsgálatok a Halomsíros-kultúra Esztergályhorváti-alsóbárándpusztai településéről: hagyomány és identitás – Technological examination of Tumulus culture pottery from Esztergályhorváti-Alsóbárándpuszta: tradition and identity

by Attila Kreiter

Kreiter, A. 2006. Kerámia technológiai vizsgálatok a Halomsíros-kultúra Esztergályhorváti-alsóbárándpusztai településéről: hagyomány és identitás – Technological examination of Tumulus culture pottery from Esztergályhorváti-Alsóbárándpuszta: tradition and identity. Zalai Múzeum 15, 149-170. (the article is in Hungarian with English abstract)

This paper investigates the ceramic technological tradtion of the Tumulus culture focusing on tempering practices. At... more This paper investigates the ceramic technological tradtion of the Tumulus culture focusing on tempering practices. At Esztergályhorváti the majority of storage vessels are tempered with coarse and very coarse quartz pebble. In some cases coarse and very coarse limestone temper can also be observed. By the means of microscopic and ceramic petrological examination the paper considers the functional expedience of quartz pebble and limestone tempering. The analyses revealed that the utilisation of these tempering materials weakend the end product since quartz pebble caused considerable crack progation and visible debonding between the clay and quartz grains which resulted in the breakage of pots. Coarse and very coarse limestone in the majority of cases caused lime spalling thus made the vessels unusable. In spite of the difficulties that these temepring materials caused during firing they were used consistently. For this reason it is argued that functional requirements may not give a complete explanation of these practices. It is considered that technological practices may be better understood in terms of cultural choices. This paper highlights the relationship between manufacturing sequences and technological tradition and argues that the choice of coarse and very coarse tempering materials - since this tempering practice is not characteristic to the Early and Middle Bronze Age in Hungary - is used to express the identity of the potters and the community. While the distinctive nature of the Tumulus ceramic tradition can be emphasised, the results of this analysis also revealed tantalising similarities between it and other Middle Bronze Age assemblages. The recognition of similar traits within the ceramic technology of the Tumulus and pre-existent societies offers a better understanding of social relations between different communities and it is suggested that the relationship between the Tumulus and other societies may be better understood through extensive social networks rather than military campaigns.

Maroslele–Panáról származó neolitikus kerámia töredékek petrográfiai, XRF és XRD vizsgálata. - The petrographic, XRF and XRD Analyses of the Neolithic Pottery from Maroslele-Pana

by Attila Kreiter

Kreiter, A. – Azbej Havancsák, I. – Sipos, P. – Tóth, M. – Viktorik, O. 2011. Maroslele–Panáról származó neolitikus kerámia töredékek petrográfiai, XRF és XRD vizsgálata. - The petrographic, XRF and XRD Analyses of the Neolithic Pottery from Maroslele-Pana. In Paluch ,T. (szerk.): Maroslele-Pana. Egy középső neolitikus lelőhely a kultúrák határvidékén. Szeged. 303-325. (the article is in Hungarian with English abstract)

Twenty-one ceramics have been subjected to macroscopic and petrographic analyses, of which five ALP and five Vinča... more Twenty-one ceramics have been subjected to macroscopic and petrographic analyses, of which five ALP and five Vinča fragments have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques. By the means of petrographic analysis this study aims to identify the similarities and differences between the raw materials and tempering practices of the Vinča and the ALP ceramics. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) was utilised to describe the raw materials of the ceramics as well as the technology of production, in particular the circumstances and temperature of firing. The major and trace elements in the ceramics have been analysed by the X-ray fluorescence method (XRF).
Based on the petrographic analysis five composition groups could be distinguished. ALP and Vinča ceramics made from very fine raw materials represent the first group. The ALP fragments in this group were tempered with vegetal material while no tempering was observed in the Vinča fragments. The second composition group represents Vinča ceramics with sand tempering. The third group is formed by ALP ceramics tempered with sand although the sand tempering shows differences in grain sizes compared to the previous group and two ceramics were also tempered with vegetal material. The fourth composition group is represented by ALP ceramics tempered with vegetal material as well as sand; the composition of the sand, however, differed from the sand used in the other groups. ALP ceramics in the fifth group were made from ‘clean’ raw materials containing much less petrographically observable non-plastic inclusions than the other groups. As indicated by the XRF analysis the major and trace element compositions of the Vinča and ALP ceramics are almost identical. That is, the examined ceramics were made from similar raw materials. A matching similarity has also been proven by the XRD analysis showing that both ALP and Vinča ceramics were fired between the temperature range of 650–850 °C.
Concerning the relationship between vessel types and ceramic raw materials there seems to be no direct correlation between vessel types and compositions since different vessel types were also produced from raw materials showing similar compositions. According to the results the Vinča ceramics were presumably made locally. Besides the typological differences of the Vinča ceramics their technological features could also be used to distinguishing them from the ALP ceramics. Although the Vinča and ALP ceramics were made from similar raw materials Vinča ceramics were not tempered with vegetal material, and for this reason their fabrics are more compact. This practice invested the vessels with ‘Vinča’ characteristic and as a result Vinča ceramics are technologically different from the ALP ones. The sand-tempered Vinča ceramics in the second group are also distinct from that of the ALP ceramics. Ceramic analyses from other Vinča sites also indicate the rarity of vegetal tempering in Vinča ceramics. The local production of Vinča ceramics at Maroslele was based on a distinct ceramic tradition from the ALP, which may indicate the former presence of potters at the site with different ceramic technological traditions. This phenomenon might point to a more complex social relationship between the ALP and the Vinča communities than trading.
Vegetal tempering is characteristic for the ALP ceramics which method, considering recent ceramic analyses, is the most common tempering practice in the Early and Middle Neolithic of Hungary. The predominant use of vegetal material for tempering has also been confirmed by Neolithic ceramic studies outside of Hungary. The ceramic technological data gained from the ALP ceramics from Maroslele correlate well with previous results, according to which there are extensive similarities amongst the ceramic traditions of Neolithic cultural groups. The most important similarity is the consistent presence of vegetal tempering that occurs regardless of vessel type and size and there seems to be no correlation between vegetal tempering, vessels type and size.

Archaeometric examination of Early and Middle Bronze Age ceramics from Százhalombatta-Földvár, Hungary

by Attila Kreiter

Kreiter, A. – Bajnóczi, B. – Sipos, P. – Szakmány, Gy. – Tóth, M. 2007. Archaeometric examination of Early and Middle Bronze Age ceramics from Százhalombatta-Földvár, Hungary. Archeometriai Műhely/Archaeometry Workshop, 2, 33-47

This paper examines the technological aspects of Early and Middle Bronze Age ceramics from a tell settlement at... more This paper examines the technological aspects of Early and Middle Bronze Age ceramics from a tell settlement at Százhalombatta (Hungary) by using polarising and cathodoluminescence microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) analyses. Towards the end of the Middle Bronze Age, during
the Koszider period, ceramic production became more elaborate; and highly distinctive vessels appeared in terms of their decoration, surface treatment and firing conditions. For this analysis eight sherds belonging to fine and coarse wares were selected. In order to assess how potters may have altered their raw materials potential clay samples around the tell settlement were also examined by the same techniques. Results suggest that potters used locally available clays and even the most distinct vessels in terms of decoration (Rákospalota type wares) seem to be locally made. In spite of the similarities in clay compositions, however, there is a clear
distinction between how potters manipulated their clay and temper even within a similar vessel type. This practice resulted in the existence of intrasite technological traditions

Kerámia technológiai tradíció és az idő koncepciója a bronzkorban – Ceramic technological tradition and the concept of time in the Bronze Age

by Attila Kreiter

Kreiter A. 2007. Kerámia technológiai tradíció és az idő koncepciója a bronzkorban – Ceramic technological tradition and the concept of time in the Bronze Age. Ősrégészeti Levelek - Prehistoric Newsletters 8-9. 146-166. (the article is in Hungarian with Englsih abstract)

This paper investigates the relationship between ceramic technology and social organisation through the Early and... more This paper investigates the relationship between ceramic technology and social organisation through the Early and Middle Bronze Age in Hungary. It highlights the relationship between manufacturing sequences and technological tradition. It is considered that in the process of material culture production technological choices are not only constitutive towards an end product but complex, dynamic constructions that involve social strategies. By the means of microscopic and ceramic petrological examination the paper focuses on the use of grog temper in pottery making. This paper aims to break boundaries between the functional and social nature of technology and argues that the two are inseparable and that together they form a culturally accepted product. If the functional nature of technology is acknowledged without separating it from cultural choices, one can gain a better understanding of how technology may have been used to construct social relations. It is considered that grog is not only a raw material but an important means of conveying continuity in tradition and shows cyclical conception of time. The results of the examined ceramic technologies shows that Early and Middle Bronze Age potters had similar conceptions of how technological tradition should be maintained, and how grog should be used. This suggests common social networks and perceptions of the reproduction of material culture. This paper brings attention to the potential of systematic analyses of ceramic technologies through scientific methods in reconstructing social relations that are materialised through technological choices.