Proceedings chapter
English

Beakers, jars and megaliths: A history of western Alpine societies and their constellations of practice between 3300 and 1600 BCE

Presented atProceedings of the International Conference Riva del Garda, Trento, Italy, 25–28 October 2023
Published inNicolis F., Kulcsár G., Heyd Volker (Ed.), The Transformation of Europe in the Third Millennium BC, Part I
PublisherBudapest : Archaeolingua
Collection
  • Archaeolingua; 48
Publication date2025-12-01
Abstract

In this article, we studied the ceramic production processes in the Upper Rhône Valley (Valais, Switzerland) during the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE, focusing on the megalithic necropolis of Sion ‘Petit-Chasseur’ and 13 settlements unearthed in the area. Mobilising methodological frameworks rooted in technological analysis and Situated Learning Theory, we identified techno-petrographic groups within each pottery assemblage and examined the distribution and diffusion of these ceramic traditions from both a contemporary and diachronic perspective. Our findings showed that regional interconnectivity and practice-sharing increased over time, leading to a gradual homogenisation of ceramic productions that culminated during the Early Bronze Age. They further revealed that Bell Beaker traditions lacked technical filiation with previous local traditions, but heavily and durably influenced the ones that followed them at the turn of the 2nd millennium BCE. All these elements suggest that exogenous potters brought Bell Beaker ceramic traditions to the Upper Rhône Valley and integrated the local networks, highly impacting pottery practices well after the eponymous beakers ceased to be in fashion.

Citation (ISO format)
DERENNE, Eve et al. Beakers, jars and megaliths: A history of western Alpine societies and their constellations of practice between 3300 and 1600 BCE. In: The Transformation of Europe in the Third Millennium BC, Part I. Nicolis F., Kulcsár G., Heyd Volker (Ed.). Trento, Italy. Budapest : Archaeolingua, 2025. (Archaeolingua)
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Proceedings chapter (Published version)
accessLevelRestricted
Identifiers
  • PID : unige:190904
ISBN978-615-5766-84-8
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