Cardium pottery

Cardium Pottery

Cardium pottery, also known as Impressed Ware, is a type of Neolithic pottery that is characterized by its distinctive decorative patterns made by pressing the edges of cockle shells (Cardium edule) into the clay before firing. This style of pottery is primarily associated with the Mediterranean region and dates back to the early Neolithic period, around 6000 to 4000 BCE.

Origins and Distribution

Cardium pottery is believed to have originated in the western Mediterranean, with early examples found in the coastal regions of what is now Italy, France, and Spain. The spread of this pottery style is often linked to the diffusion of early agricultural practices and the movement of Neolithic peoples across the Mediterranean basin.

The pottery is typically found in archaeological sites along the coast, suggesting that the communities who produced it were engaged in maritime activities and had access to marine resources. The distribution of Cardium pottery is often used by archaeologists to trace the spread of Neolithic cultures and the exchange networks that existed in the Mediterranean during this period.

Characteristics

Cardium pottery is characterized by its distinctive decorative technique, which involves pressing the edges of cockle shells into the wet clay to create a series of impressions. These impressions often form complex geometric patterns, including zigzags, spirals, and concentric circles. The pottery is usually made from local clays and fired at relatively low temperatures, resulting in a coarse texture.

The vessels themselves are typically simple in form, including bowls, jars, and cups. The decoration is often confined to the upper part of the vessel, leaving the lower portion plain. This style of decoration not only served an aesthetic purpose but may also have had symbolic or cultural significance for the communities that produced it.

Archaeological Significance

Cardium pottery is an important marker for archaeologists studying the Neolithic period in the Mediterranean. Its presence in archaeological sites provides evidence for the spread of Neolithic technologies and the interactions between different cultural groups. The study of Cardium pottery can also provide insights into the social and economic structures of early Neolithic communities, as well as their trade and exchange networks.

Related Pottery Styles

Cardium pottery is part of a broader tradition of impressed ware that is found throughout Europe during the Neolithic. Similar styles include the Linear Pottery culture in Central Europe and the Funnelbeaker culture in Northern Europe. These styles share the use of impressed decoration, although the specific techniques and motifs vary between regions.

Also see

• Neolithic Europe
• Linear Pottery culture
• Funnelbeaker culture
• Prehistoric art
• Archaeology of the Mediterranean