Abstract

OZAN, Ivana  and  BERON, Mónica. POST-DEPOSITIONAL PROCESSES OF SURFACE CERAMIC RECORD OF HUNTER-GATHERERS FROM LA PAMPA PROVINCE. Comechingonia [online]. 2016, vol.20, n.2, pp.1-10. ISSN 1851-0027.

The diversity, frequency and distribution of superficial pottery depend on its preservation degree, among other factors. In this direction, the present contribution aims to present a methodological design in order to discuss how and in which extent technological properties and postdepositional processes affect the integrity of the superficial ceramic record, by considering seven ceramic assemblages corresponding to hunter-gatherer populations from the centre-east and south-west of La Pampa province, Argentina. Through this analysis, it is concluded that environmental variables only explain partially the weathering degree and fragmentation of the ceramic assemblages. Complementary, technological aspects such as low cohesiveness, high porosity, and rare paste inclusions play a major role in the weathering explanation, whereas the thickness seems to be directly link with the ceramic fragmentation. In contrast, experimental analysis indicate that environmental variables are the main cause of ceramic weathering. Additionally, in the experimental test, technological properties such as the presence of cavities, cohesiveness and surface treatment have changed substantially only in a short period of time. Thus, the relevant categories chosen to build typologies have first to be discussed in order to make accurate archaeological interpretations.

Keywords : propiedades tecnológicas, grados de meteorización, contexto de daño, experimentación; technological properties, weathering stages, damage context, experiment.