Abstract

Pottery first appeared and gradually expanded into the Sahara around 11,000 years ago during the Early Holocene, coinciding with increased regional climatic amelioration. The origins and diffusion pathways of this technology remain debated, particularly whether it emerged from a single source or through independent innovations across multiple regions. Identifying key corridors of diffusion is crucial to understanding these processes. This talk presents a Bayesian spatio-temporal model that integrates a comprehensive, literature-based dataset of Early Holocene pottery evidence across Africa to evaluate competing models of its origins and spread. The model identifies the most probable region(s) of innovation and reconstructs diffusion patterns by integrating radiocarbon dates to infer adoption dynamics. The results support a multi-origin model, highlighting the complexity of early ceramic traditions. These broader patterns are further examined through case studies that illustrate regional technological variability and transmission processes, offering new insights into the mechanisms shaping the early adoption of pottery in Africa.

This talk will held in-person and online at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research Seminar Room. To join online, register here: https://cam-ac-uk.zoom.us/meeting/register/feS71pMITV6B56t053N7Sw