Bronzkori kerámiák technológiai vizsgálata Százhalombatta-Földvárról – Examination of Bronze Age ceramic technology from Százhalombatta-Földvár, Hungary more

The aim of this study is to examines the relationship between ceramic technology and chronology through the case study of the Nagyrév and Vatya Bronze Age tell settlement at Százhalombatta, Hungary. In the Hungarian archaeological tradition research often focuses upon vessel shape and decoration. Form and decoration are then used to establish typological categories. Artefact types are viewed as chronological indices marking a phase or period within a given cultural group.
In order to assess the relationship between material culture and chronology, in addition to their form and decoration, their manufacturing technology also needs to be assessed. In pottery studies technology is often considered as limited by functional and environmental constraints. As opposed to this view this paper considers technology as a social phenomenon and highlights the relationship between manufacturing sequences and technological tradition.
By the means of ceramic petrological analysis this study establishes a strong relationship between the Nagyrév and Vatya periods at Százhalombatta in terms of technological practices and argues for the continuity and complex relationship between them. The strength of tradition depends on the reproduction of people’s social and technical knowledge through time and it seems that Nagyrév and Vatya potters had similar conceptions of how technological tradition should be maintained. This implies common social networks and common perceptions of the reproduction of material culture. The technological similarities between the Nagyrév and Vatya at Százhalombatta indicate their common cultural tradition.