Archeometric analysis of metallurgical ceramicsof III millennium bc from the Cabezo Juré settlement (Aosno, Huelva)

Abstract

The perception of prehistoric metallurgy, its chronological, technological and social development has been modified since the evaluation and analysis of metallurgical activity in the metal mining settlement of Cabezo Juré. This paper presents the results of technological process associated to manufacture of metallurgical ceramic (crucibles and smelting vessels) by applying empirical evaluation methodology based on petrographic and chemical analysis. The results of the petrographic and chemical analysis of these metallurgical ceramics suggest the use of local clays, similar to those used in the manufacture of domestic vessels. However, in order to withstand the high thermal gradients that should be subject during the metallurgical process, crucibles show differential technological treatment in relation to domestic pottery and smelting vessels.