Ceramic neolithic pottery in Cyprus-origin, technology and possible implications for social structure and identity

This paper presents the results of a petrographic study conducted on a selection of 88 Cypriot ceramic Neolithic vessels, originating at seven sites, representing various geographic regions on the island. The study is aimed at determining their place of origin and disclosing details about the technology of their production. All the vessels studied were found to be locally made on the island. There are, however, indications that there was restricted movement of ceramic vessels within defined regions of the island. In addition, a clear distinction between the production technologies of coarse ware and painted ware was observed, reflecting island-wide shared technological traditions. However, even within these seemingly uniform technological traditions, regional variations can be observed. These observations support previous interpretations suggesting a division between 'northern' and 'southern' social groups on the island during the Ceramic Neolithic period.