Technological dynamics of Early Iron Age ceramics from the Heuneburg (SW Germany)

Technological dynamics of Early Iron Age ceramics from the Heuneburg (SW Germany): A synthesis of 50 years of research

de Groot, Beatrijs G. (University of Edinburgh)
Braekmans, D. (TU Delft Team Joris Dik; Universiteit Leiden)
Fernández-Götz, Manuel (University of Edinburgh)
Hansen, Leif (Landesamt für Denkmalpflege im Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart)
Stegmaier, Gerd (Universität Tübingen)
Krausse, Dirk (Landesamt für Denkmalpflege im Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart)

2023

This paper addresses technological dynamics revealed through raw material analyses of Late Hallstatt (seventh–fifth centuries BCE) ceramics from the famous Heuneburg site (Herbertingen-Hundersingen, SW Germany). The study combines, for the first time, separate sets of thin-sections produced over the last 50 years in order to provide a comprehensive and consolidated characterisation of technological changes in ceramic production taking place at the site during the Hallstatt phases D1 to D3. It provides significant new insights into the relation between raw material procurement and preparation, on the one hand, and changes in ceramic typology and production methods, on the other hand (i.e. the introduction of the potter’s wheel). The results reveal a shift from a broad spectrum of fabrics tempered with grog, sand or crushed calcite in phase Hallstatt D1, to the increasing use of non-calcareous, grog or sand-tempered fabrics. The new wheel-turned pottery (appearing from phase Hallstatt D3) is exclusively produced using a non-calcareous clay, often tempered with fine sand, indicating a specialisation in raw material selection alongside the introduction of novel shaping techniques. Evidence of continuity between the fabrics used in phase Hallstatt D1 and the new wheel-turned pottery suggests craft specialists drew upon established technological knowledge to integrate the potter’s wheel. The adoption of the potter’s wheel was likely also stimulated by the increased demand for new vessels to accommodate the consumption of fermented drinks such as grape wine, fruit wine or beer.

Central Europe
Early Iron Age
Heuneburg
Innovation
Petrography
Pottery

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:31e0e060-7051-47f2-959a-0b07414b2c0a

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-023-01832-2

1866-9557

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 15 (8)

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2023 Beatrijs G. de Groot, D. Braekmans, Manuel Fernández-Götz, Leif Hansen, Gerd Stegmaier, Dirk Krausse