Maintenance Activities, Technological Knowledge and Consumption Patterns: A View of Northeast Iberia (2000-500 Cal BC)

Abstract

The analysis of the archaeological evidence from some prehistoric settlements in the area of Valles (northeast Spain) allows us to propose an interpretation of the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age in the area as calibrating transformations in the organization of labour, storage patterns and maintenance activities. Despite the difficulties involved in the evaluation of this kind of settlement (pit structures dug into the ground and refilled after use with waste materials), our working assumption is that such deposits contain valuable information concerning the wide variety of activities carried out in the settlements and the dynamics of their development. In our study, it has been possible to hypothesize a continuity it some aspects of production, as well as a marked increase in agrarian production. It is argued that these dynamics can only be understood by focusing on the organization of social activities in the so-called 'domestic domain'.