For everyday use and special occasions : a multi-analytical study of pottery from two early neolithic funnel beaker (TRB) sites on the island of Öland, SE Sweden

This paper presents results of technical, functional and stylistic analyses on pottery from two Early Neolithic sites on Öland – Resmo and Runsbäck. Analyses include thin sections and XRF of clays and wares, lipid residue analysis and recording of stylistic attributes. The two sites are situated 15 km apart on the west side of the island. C14 dates place the activities at the sites at c. 3900 3600 BC and 3600–3100 BC respectively. While overall similarities are obvious, some structured differences are noted in the design as well as in the wares whereas vessel use patterns are strikingly similar between the two assemblages. In general, the Resmo assemblage is characterised by great homogeneity while the Runsbäck pottery displays more variation. It is suggested that the observed differences reflect differences in function and duration between the analysed sites