Archaeometric characterization of Iron Age indigenous pottery from the staggered turriform of Son Ferrer, Mallorca, Spain

Abstract

The paper explores indigenous ceramic production found at the Iron Age ceremonial center of Son Ferrer in Western Mallorca in the Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean). The archaeometric characterization, which combines chemical and minero-petrographic techniques facilitates study of the evolution of ceramic traditions. The results show an important shift in ceramic production. The Late Iron Age (PostTalaiotic) pottery found at the site reflect the coexistence of various technological recipes for making pots, in comparison with a more homogeneous ceramic tradition during the Talaiotic period (c. 850-550 BC). This diversified and poorly standardized production is interpreted in association with changes in the system of knowledge transmission among artisans, restricted in the Post-Talaiotic period (c. 550-50 BC) to a household low-scale production. The observed variability demonstrates a differential use of natural resources for pottery making at a regional scale, as well as the interaction among various social groups in the area. In this sense, the increased variability observed in diachronic terms in the pottery deposited in the staggered turriform of Son Ferrer points to a change in the social role played by this archaeological site in the Post-Talaiotic period