Life cycles of Early and Late Neolithic pottery in the Central Balkans: Use and secondary use vs. typology

Abstract

In the Central Balkans, the Early Neolithic is characterized by the Starčevo culture, which emerged around 6200 BC. The subsequent Vinča culture followed around 5300 BC and persisted until 4600/4500 BC, marking the transition into the Late Neolithic. Over recent decades, a large number of Early and Late Neolithic sites have been excavated, yielding extensive collections of pottery that have been repeatedly examined through various theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches. This paper highlights the results of a focused evaluation of pottery from several key Neolithic sites in the region, prioritizing a life-cycle analysis of ceramic vessels and offering detailed insights into the various stages of their biographies, particularly their use, reuse, and recycling practices.