Las cerámicas aborígenes de Gran Canaria (Islas Canarias) a través del yacimiento de La Cerera: Materias primas, Tecnología y función

Abstract

This paper focuses on the study of the pre-Hispanic ceramics from the site of La Cerera (Gran Canaria) (7th century AD – 13th century AD). An integrated approach combining various levels of analysis has been carried out, employing morphological, technical and functional analysis of the pots, as well as their instrumental characterization: X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical petrography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As result, different operative chains have been detected, linked to function and chronology. Other differences with respect to the characteristics of the archaeological materials through time were also identified. Those transformations seem to coincide with others already observed for various elements of the aboriginal material culture at the site, as well as at other parts of the island. The effects of the intensification of pottery production on the homogeneity of the fabrics are also discussed.