The Neolithic pottery of Abri Pendimoun (Castellar, France): a petro-archaeometric study

Abstract

Abstract Middle and Late Neolithic ceramics from Abri Pendimoun (Castellar, France) and their geological raw materials have been investigated to characterize the ceramic bodies and to determine the possible provenance of raw materials. Petrographic, mineralogical and energy-dispersive spectrometry analyses were undertaken to define the compositional parameters of sherds and to clarify the relationship between Square Mouthed Pottery-phase I (VBQ I) and Chassey Culture. The ceramic bodies were generally made from glauconite-rich layers and terra rossa, unprocessed or mixed in variable proportions. Different kinds of temper, such as carbonates and/or aplite fragments, were added to the mixtures. Although most of the analysed ceramics were produced locally, a few mixtures show the addition of exogenous rocks. Although these ceramics could be interpreted as imported, we demonstrate that local clayey materials were used at Abri Pendimoun. The hypothesis that pottery was imported can therefore be ruled out. A small amount of crushed calcite (5%) was added to some glauconitic pellet mixtures. Pots made with this mixture are normally referred to the VBQ I. This combination of mixture and shape indicates that there was an important link between the VBQ I and Chassey Cultures.