Experimental and traceological approach for a technical interpretation of ceramic polished surfaces

The results of the traceological analysis show that: (a) four main techniques can be highlighted through this approach; (b) the variability of the traces occurring during the applied treatments was linked to several processes and methods; (c) archaeological pottery examinations show the potential role of surface treatments in defining “technological styles” and differentiating groups and settlements from one another. As a result, these experiments entail a methodological innovation to archaeology, yielding a broader perspective into prehistoric technologies.