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Accepted Paper:

Colonial theory and pottery production: the changing relationship between pots and potters during the Bronze and Iron Age in Central Italy  
Helen Loney (University of Worcester)

Paper short abstract:

This paper will focus on how changing socio-political systems affected the relationship within pottery workshops/work groups and their products. Aspects of colonial theory will be considered as supporting a notion of local influence on new ideas.

Paper long abstract:

Pottery production in Central Italy underwent a period of diversification and intensification, during the Later/Final Bronze Age (approximately 900 BC). Sites such as Casale Nuovo, Latina, have been interpreted as trade centers, revealing a wealth of evidence of trade and exchange in pottery, metals and other goods. During the Iron Age, a number of new sites were founded, some by Greek colonists, others by native Italic or Etruscan people, whilst sites such as Casale Nuovo were abandoned or relocated.

As a result, pottery production underwent two different types of influence: an internal pressure to meet greater economic demand, and external pressures to absorb new people into an imposed economic structure. The results of these different types of pressures are reflected in a number of aspects of pottery production, including clay selection, processing, and then external appearances.

Archaeologically, there appears to be two very different 'types' of pottery, traditionally viewed very narrowly as relating to closed systems of workshops and protocols. However, recent research into the underlying structures of workshop relationships, as well as the more subtle relationships between local groups and colonialists suggests a more fluid organization.

This paper will consider how colonial theory can shed light on the changing character of pottery workshops and of the resulting products.

Panel S27
Making the Bronze Age: craft and craftspeople 2500-800BC
  Session 1