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RESUMENSe analizan los materiales cerámicos prehispánicos del yacimiento de La Cerera en Gran Canaria (siglos VII-XIII D.C.). Se integra la clasificación morfotécnica y funcional, y la caracterización instrumental mediante fluorescencia de rayos X (FRX), difracción de rayos X (DRX), petrografía óptica (PO) y microscopía electrónica de barrido (MEB) relacionando cada nivel de estudio aplicado. Como resultado se detectaron diferentes cadenas operativas, conectadas con la función de los vasos y su cronología. Además se observaron importantes cambios diacrónicos en las características del material. Estos parecen coincidir con otros identificados en el registro del propio yacimiento y en otros sitios de la isla. También se discuten los posibles efectos de la intensificación de la producción sobre la homogeneidad de las fábricas cerámicas. 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.Palabras clave: Islas Canarias; Gran Canaria; Producciones cerámicas prehispánicas; Fluorescencia rayos X; Difracción rayos X; Microscopía electrónica de barrido; Petrografía óptica.

This paper considers the structure of production, distribution and consumption of ceramics within Chalcolithic communities of SE Iberia, an important region for modelling social and technological change in the recent prehistory of Eurasia. Our research provides new data through the comparative analysis of domestic and metallurgical ceramics, as well as building and other clayrich materials from the archaeological site of Las Pilas (2875-2620 cal. BC 2σ to 2460-2205 cal. BC 2σ) (Mojácar, Almería). In total, 56 samples are characterised by optical petrography, with SEM analysis of 22 of those individuals, in order to assess firing conditions. Results point to the existence of a local tradition in which domestic and metallurgical wares exhibit important similarities in their production processes. In terms of technology, the assemblage shows a relative homogeneity, although firing conditions, surface treatment and decoration seem to have played an important role in the differentiation of highly symbolic wares from other ceramics. We conclude that raw material procurement and processing at Las Pilas differ from those at other Copper Age sites already studied in SE and SW Iberia. This is in agreement with earlier archaeometallurgical studies on Las Pilas, suggesting the development of local and community-based technological traditions. As such, the paper attempts to bridge the recent divide between re-emergent top-down models and our detailed understandings of technological practice.

ResumenSe propone un sistema de clasificación para los recipientes cerámicos de tradición aborigen de la isla de Gran Canaria. Este sistema integra aspectos tecnológicos, formales y funcionales partiendo de conjuntos arqueológicos debidamente contextualizados. Se discuten los resultados haciendo referencia a las diferencias cronológicas, a la función y características de los yacimientos. Asimismo, se discuten los datos comparándolos con aquellos existentes en la bibliografía especializada. Los resultados apuntan a la coexistencia de diferentes grupos funcionales, consecuencia del desarrollo de cadenas operativas muy diferentes, mantenidas durante largos periodos de tiempo. A pesar de esta continuidad, se han observado variaciones diacrónicas y espaciales entre los conjuntos, especialmente en cuanto a su morfología y patrones decorativos, que podrían deberse a cambios en las relaciones sociales aborígenes, ocasionados por factores internos y externos, y a la cristalización de grupos identitarios diferenciados dentro la isla, al menos en momentos avanzados de la ocupación prehispánica.Palabras clave. Islas Canarias; Gran Canaria; cultura aborigen; cerámica; clasificación. AbstractThis paper comprises a new proposal for the classification of the aboriginal ceramics from the island of Gran Canaria. This classification system integrates the technological, morphological and functional traits of archaeological vessels that have been properly contextualized. The results are discussed taking into account functional and chronological differences among the groups, as well as previously published data. As a consequence, a number of functional groups, related to different chaînes opé-ratoires, were defined. Moreover, the groups also exhibited a spatial and chronological variability that seems to reflect the creation of identity borders within the population of the island. These limits became more evident during advanced moments of the indigenous occupation.

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