‘To Each His Own’. The Pottery Production of the Bronze Age site of Mursia (Pantelleria, Sicily). Some Technological and Functional assessments

This paper aims to show the preliminary results of a technical and functional analysis of the pottery assemblages identified in the Bronze Age settlement of Mursia (island of Pantelleria, Sicily) (1750-1450 B.C.). The material culture of the settlement is mostly represented by handmade ceramic artifacts. Only three pottery categories have been selected as representative case-studies: jars (storage or cooking ware), pedestal bowls and bowls (table vessels), goblets and cups (drinking vessels). According to the capacity classes and other technological and morphometric parameters, it has been possible to identify different groups of vessels that share similar features and thus are suitable for similar purposes. The proposed approach has been chosen in order to outline the multi-functionality of wares and their interchangeability. Pottery assemblages and their location in the domestic or funerary spaces can provide us with insights on the cultural identity of the inhabitants of Pantelleria in the Bronze Age.