Pottery use by the first Neolithic communities of Sardinia (Italy): functional analysis of vessels from Su Carroppu di Sirri, Carbonia

Laura Fanti

Writing – Original Draft Preparation

;Léa Drieu;Martine Regert

2024-01-01

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Abstract

This work aims to contribute to the broad question of the role assigned to ceramic containers by the first Neolithic societies in the process of Neolithisation of the different Western Mediterranean regions, through a first assessment of the functional categorisation of the vessels used by Early Neolithic groups in the island of Sardinia (Italy). For this purpose, the pottery assemblage from Su Carroppu di Sirri (Carbonia, CI), in southwestern Sardinia, has been selected. This rock-shelter is one of the few excavated Early Neolithic sites in the island, providing evidence of human activities in the area during the 6th millennium cal BC, from the Cardial to the later Epicardial phase and the North Tyrrhenian Linear Carved Ware diffusion. After a comprehensive revision and refitting, the pottery assemblage has been investigated through an interdisciplinary functional approach, taking into consideration vessel morphotypology and morphometry, use-wear, and biomolecular and isotopic analysis of visible and absorbed organic residues by GC-FID, GC-MS and GCC-IRMS. Despite the fragmentation of the assemblage and the low lipid recovery, functional categories can be outlined: cooking vessels, probably of different sizes (pots and bowls), for processing plant and unidentified (low lipid?) products, for alimentary and possibly non-alimentary purposes; open to low restricted bowls dedicated to processing contents without heating, with abrasive activities and/or low-lipid substances having an erosive potential; bowls with no distinctive alteration patterns, probably used for serving/eating; notably, large vessels, sometimes with handles and applied single or multiple cordon decoration, for storing ruminant dairy products, plants/animal fats and probably low-lipid contents; finally, closed necked jars, likely for storing/carrying liquids. Overall, in addition to the data about faunal remains and the use of chipped lithic implements, functional analysis of the pottery assemblage from Su Carroppu revealed the exploitation of different (plant and animal, domesticated and maybe wild) resources, and the storage and transport needs of the Early Neolithic human groups in the rock-shelter area.