The “Ceramic technology: a systemic approach through a technological reading of earthen remains” seminars are intended for students in the Master 1 prehistory programme at the University of Paris Nanterre, but are also open to all students, including those from other universities (subject to availability).

2nd February course :

10.30am – 12.30pm : Introduction à l’approche des chaînes opératoires céramiques, by  L. Gomart (CNRS, UMR 8215)
2.00 pm – 5.00 pm: From reading ceramic macrotraces to the restitution of technical gestures, by L. Gomart (CNRS, UMR 8215)

This course is organised in the form of “lecture” sessions and practical work carried out in the technothèque (TP). This seminar will focus on the use of earth for both the construction of buildings and the manufacture of containers used for a variety of purposes. Using a systemic approach, this seminar aims to introduce students to the technological interpretation of earthen remains. In the case of pottery, students will be taught how to recognise the criteria used to reconstruct the various stages in the manufacture and use of objects. Case studies developed on the Near Eastern and European Neolithic will show them how the technological analysis of archaeological ceramics helps to retrace the social and cultural history of ancient societies. In the case of earthen architecture, the aim will also be to show students the need to combine macroscopic field analysis with laboratory analysis using micromorphology.Social aspects will be addressed through case studies focusing on the Near East and the Caucasus during recent prehistory.