7. The Middle Neolithic of Central Italy and Neolithic dead and rituals

Overview of the Middle Neolithic of Central Italy

  • The lesson focuses on the Middle Neolithic period, specifically in Tyrrhenian Central Italy, discussing its characteristics and funerary rituals.

Chronological Framework

  • Middle Neolithic is represented by the Saso culture.

  • The timeline begins from Southern Italy, characterized by:

    • Red Bands

    • Trichrome pottery

  • Ends with the Cerro Alto phase.

Southern Italy: Painted Pottery

  • Example from Tavolieri area, Passo di Corvo:

    • Pottery features white and red decorative elements.

    • Red Band Pottery: Burnished earthenware with significant artistic expertise.

  • Trichrome Pottery:

    • Defined by the use of three colors, creating complex motifs with white, red, and black paints.

    • Associated with various regional styles, indicating diverse artistic traditions.

  • Cerro Alto Pottery:

    • Bichrome design with intricate black motifs on a pale background, displaying advanced pottery techniques.

Eastern Coast of the Adriatic

  • Introduction of Adriatic Impresso Pottery:

    • Characterized by impressed designs.

  • Transition to Catagnano Style Red Band Pottery,

    • Same era but showcases different motifs and shapes.

  • Sites like Catagnano and their excavation reveal both material culture and ideological aspects of Middle Neolithic life.

Archaeological Sites

Catagnano Site

  • Importance in both habitation and pottery production.

  • Features:

    • Excavation grid revealing pits for clay extraction and hut foundations.

    • Evidence of pyrotechnological activity.

Casale del Dolce Site

  • Located in Southern Lazium, showcasing similarities to Catagnano pottery styles.

  • The presence of obsidian and polished stone artifacts suggests long-distance trade routes.

Funerary Practices and Rituals in Central Italy

Grotta Continenza

  • Notable for its infant cremations and adult remains indicating early complex treatment of the dead.

  • Artifacts found include pots with reverse-painted pottery, illustrating cultural continuity in burial practices.

Grotta Mora Cavourso

  • Contains adult skeletons indicative of multiple burials with varied genders and ages.

  • Shell beads and minimal grave goods suggest different socio-religious constructs surrounding death.

Grotta Petrizi (Saso Cave)

  • Notable burial with indications of trephination, showcasing early medical practices.

  • Grave goods included typical Saso pottery and tools, indicating ritual significance in burial practices.

Ritualistic Aspects

  • Discussion of potential rituals beyond simple burials, including ceremonial acts connected to caves, such as the volcanic cave by Vico Lake.

  • Ritual sites show the use of natural geography in cultural practices, indicating deeper connections to natural beliefs.

Connections Across Regions

  • Middle Neolithic in Tyrrhenian Italy exhibits influences from both Northern Italy and the Adriatic coast.

  • Evidence of early forms of social organization with no significant hierarchical differences noted in burial goods or treatment of the deceased.

  • Suggested that rituals might include human sacrifices, though evidence is scarce.

Conclusion of the Lesson

  • The complexities of the Middle Neolithic period in Central Italy point to a well-developed society with intricate rituals and pottery traditions.

  • The lesson sets the stage for further exploration of the Late Neolithic phase in the next discussions.