Chronology Of Ceramic Productions And Cultural Dynamics Of Chasseen De Provence

This paper, through the study of a large ceramic corpus including 12,600 diagnostic elements and more than 2,500 complete profiles, supported by radiocarbon dating analysis, defines a new chronology for the Chassey culture in Provence. The consistency of most important cave deposits and assemblages has been taken in account. These data bases have been described using a multi-parameter grid, taking into account aspects regarding technology (clay source selection and processing practice, construction, surface finishing techniques and thermal treatments), morphology (pottery shapes, handles and types of appendices, decoration) and function (volume and inventory of preserved waste). Experimental approaches were used with regard to surface treatments, since such treatments were particularly developed during this period. These experimental approaches participated in the creation of typologies which allowed us to compare the elements of the corpus.If we decide to include the "Recent Neolithic" in which the Chassey culture tradition is relatively strong, at least six stages, covering a period from 4250 to 3300 cal. BC were identified by means of statistical analysis. Horizon A corresponds to deep pits 3 and 7 of the Nice-Giribaldi site (42504050 cal. BC). The pottery assemblages show the development of the typical Chassey package: pots with multi-perforated cordons or "Pan-pipes", spoons with flat handles, plates with a complex scratched decoration and "vases-supports", whether decorated or not. Very few sites can be linked to this early stage. Posterior to the Early Chassey period (horizon A, 42504050 cal. BC), five major periods have been highlighted among the Classical and Late Chassey assemblages. The number of sites seems to have increased. Horizon B, illustrated by Caucade (Nice) can be dated to between 4050 and 3950 cal. BC. Horizon C groups Fontbregoua levels 1924, Les Terres Longues, Claparouse and L'Heritiere (stage B). It can be dated to between 3950-3800 cal. BC. Horizon D, dated to between 3800 and 3650 cal. BC, has been divided into two sub-groups, with very close radiocarbon dates. Horizon E corresponds to the previously defined Recent Neolithic. It could be dated to between 3650 and 3350 cal. BC. The Chassey culture tradition still appears but assemblage structures show important changes.The trend of pottery assemblage structures shows gradual changes at different levels: pottery shapes, handle and appendix types, construction and surface finishing techniques (in particular, patina finishing techniques increase). This trend is very close to that proposed for lithic production techniques: conical core shapes with faceted platforms during horizon B and maybe continuing in C, the appearance of mixed styles during horizon C, the development of flat cores with oblique platforms during horizon D1 and the development, during horizon D2, of lever pressure for knapping large blades.In the north-western Mediterranean context, these data allow, on the one hand, to link the main stages of the Southern Chassey Culture and, on the other, to apprehend the various dynamic trend evolutions of the Provencal Chassey culture. The subsequent distribution of characteristics isolated in Provence suggested modifications within regional tropisms, which led to a separation of the Provence and Languedoc areas. In fact, during the Early Chassey series and the first stage of the Late Chassey culture, the trend observed in Provence is extremely close to that observed in Languedoc. On the other hand, the last period reveals impressive reciprocal influences with the Middle Rhone valley and, northwards, with the "Burgundian Middle Neolithic" (NMB), Cortaillod and Lagozza assemblages. Nevertheless, the Provence Chassey culture retains various specificities.Moreover, the ceramics assemblage shows, during the same stage, the constitution of local styles which are distinguished in particular by productions of carinated cups or bowls, extremely varied both morphologically and technically.This research leads to serious reconsideration of the Provencal styles which result from the syncretism of several interfluences and long-lived local traditions.