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Investigating Archaeological Cultures pp 151–182Cite as

“Culture”, Innovation and Interaction Across Southern Iran from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age (c. 6500–3000 bc)

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Abstract

Southern Iran saw profound socio-economic and political transformations between 6500 and 3000 bc, which are marked by a series of innovations in ceramic production. This paper looks at the pace and nature of change in prehistoric ceramic technology and decorative style to investigate the relationships between processes of culture change, innovation and transmission. It is noted that the dynamics of culture change across the diverse cultural and physical geography of Southern Iran is marked by a complex pattern of rapidly dispersing major technological innovations followed by protracted periods, where there is evidence for regionally distinctive stylistic elaboration of vessel decoration and form. The multifaceted and variable relationships between people, material culture, technology, style and landscapes have the potential to provide insight into the dynamics of culture change.

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Acknowledgements

This paper originated as an overlong presentation at the Workshop on Early Iranian Metallurgy held at the Department of Archaeology, University of Nottingham, from 19 to 21 September 2007. It was also partially inspired by conversations with Prof. Andrew Sherratt who constantly challenged me to think of the bigger picture. This version has had a slightly tangled gestation, and I would like to thank the editors of this volume for their patience and excellent advice. I would again, as always, like to thank Prof. D.T. Potts and particularly Dr. Lloyd Weeks for stern comments and sage advice. I would also like to thank Drs. Sheila Kohring and Chris Thornton for their pointed and useful observations and Prof. C.C. Lamberg-Karlovsky for extensive and insightful comments that drew attention to a number of gaps that have hopefully now been filled. Although those who have read this paper have tried to temper the interpretations and ­opinions expressed, any errors or misconceptions remain those of the author.

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  1. Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

    Cameron A. Petrie

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  1. Dept. Prehistory & Europe, British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom

    Benjamin W. Roberts

  2. , School of Archaeology and Ancient Histor, Leicester University, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, United Kingdom

    Marc Vander Linden

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Petrie, C.A. (2011). “Culture”, Innovation and Interaction Across Southern Iran from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age (c. 6500–3000 bc). In: Roberts, B., Vander Linden, M. (eds) Investigating Archaeological Cultures. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-6970-5_8

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