The Argaric Pottery from Burial at Peñalosa (Jaén, Spain): Production Technology and Functionality

Laura Vico Triguero; Jesús Gámiz Caro; Francisco Martín Peinado; Alejandra García García; Eva Alarcón García; Francisco Contreras Cortés; María Auxiliadora Moreno Onorato

doi:10.4312/dp.47.18

Authors

Laura Vico Triguero University of Granada, Department of Prehistory and Archaeology, Spain
Jesús Gámiz Caro University of Granada, Department of Prehistory and Archaeology, Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1345-7910
Francisco Martín Peinado University of Granada, Department of Edaphology and Agricultural Chemistry, Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1389-5531
Alejandra García García University of Granada, Department of Prehistory and Archaeology, Spain
Eva Alarcón García University of Granada, Department of Prehistory and Archaeology, Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2334-6496
Francisco Contreras Cortés University of Granada, Department of Prehistory and Archaeology, Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2997-2079
María Auxiliadora Moreno Onorato University of Granada, Department of Prehistory and Archaeology, Spain

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4312/dp.47.18

Keywords:

ceramic production technology, burial pottery, Argaric Culture, Peñalosa, Bronze Age

Abstract

The interpretation of the manufacture and function of Argaric burial potteries has not been subject to a global and systematic study. As such, this paper has reconstructed the sequence of ceramic production of burial potteries of Peñalosa using analytical techniques (stereomicroscopy, X-ray diffraction and optical petrography). Ceramic ware technological features, as well as other indicators of use and repair, indicate that the pottery was used prior to the burial either in domestic contexts or during funerary rituals. This finding contrasts with data obtained at other Argaric sites, where technological and formal features point to pottery production specifically intended for burials.