LA TECNOLOGÍA CERÁMICA DURANTE LA PREHISTORIA RECIENTE: LA CUEVA DEL NIÑO (AÝNA, ALBACETE)

Abstract

This paper presents the technological study of the pottery assemblage recorded in Cueva del Niño (Aýna, Albacete), an emblematic archaeological site in the inland of the Iberian Peninsula with Neolithic and Chalcolithic occupations. Our research provides new data about the technological choices used by these communities in the different manufacturing processes of the ceramic products. In total, 20 samples were characterised by optical petrography and 6 of these samples were analysed by X-Ray Diffraction in order to assess firing temperatures. Results point out to a variability in the raw material procurement coherent with surroundings geological environments. In addition, technological choices and use of temper are similar to those observed in other Neolithic and Chalcolithic pottery assemblages with the employment of both tempered and non-tempered clays. This is in agreement with other ceramic traditions identified both in the inland and other regions of the Iberian Peninsula.