The production and circulation of late iron age slip decorated pottery in Central Europe

The aim of this study is to investigate the organisation of production and exchange in the Later Iron Age,
or Late La Töne period in part of Central Europe. Although a wide range of goods are considered in
relation to this aim (Chapter 2), the focus of the thesis is on the slip decorated pottery which is a
characteristic find on the larger settlements.
Following a review of current approaches to the archaeology of the period (Chapter 1), the second
chapter summarises the current state of knowledge of the Later Iron Age in the study area
(Czechoslovakia, Transdanubian Hungary and Poland). The third chapter considers the theoretical
frameworks employed in the interpretation of non-capitalist economic systems. These are discussed in
relation to the theory and practice of archaeological interpretation.
In chapters 4 and 5 the methods of analysis used in the study of the the slip decorated pottery are
described. Chapter 4 focuses on the production of the pottery and the technology employed, relating this
to the organisation of labour. Chapter 5 is concerned with the circulation of the pottery and the methods
(petrological and typological analyses) used to interpret the distribution in terms of the actions which
produced it.
Chapter 6 draws together the data discussed in the second chapter and that obtained from the
analysis of the slip decorated pottery.
The picture of the period which emerges is at variance in a number of respects from that
traditionally accepted, in that there appears to have been a high degree of continuity with the situation in
the Middle la Töne in terms of the economic structures underlyinmg the emergence of sites of central
character. The establishment of these sites was certainly associated with changes in economic
relationships (some of which are symbolised by the production and circulation of slip decorated pottery),
but these appear to be in addition to, rather than in place of, traditional forms of organisation.
A number of appendices and tables summarise supporting data.