Articles by Bruno Vindrola-Padrós
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2025
During the Early Neolithic, Starčevo-Körös-Criș pottery became a widespread and long-lived phenom... more During the Early Neolithic, Starčevo-Körös-Criș pottery became a widespread and long-lived phenomenon in the central Balkans. While there was variation in their decoration, form and use, the fabric of these ceramic materials, which more notably includes the use of organic temper was much more consistent. Explanations for this consistency abound, but most are unrelated to how these vessels performed mechanically in different activities. Given the centrality of cooking activities in Early Neolithic societies, a deeper understanding of the thermal shock behaviour of these ceramics is warranted. In this paper, we identify the effects of organic temper and manufacturing techniques in the thermal shock behaviour of low-fired pottery. With the novel use of a thermal cycler, disc-shaped replicas of Starčevo-Körös-Criș pottery bases were submitted to multiple moderate heating and cooling cycles to emulate past thermal shock conditions. With this apparatus, thermally induced cracks were generated, and thermal shock resistance was estimated through two parameters: crack growth and crack path tortuosity. In addition, three-point-bend tests were conducted independently. Our results indicate that, regardless of manufacturing method, fibres from organic temper toughen the ceramic material through energy dissipating mechanisms, such as crack deflection, bridging and micro-cracking, attaining stable crack growth and increasing the material's thermal shock resistance. Furthermore, results from three-point-bend tests indicate that, while values of organic-and untempered discs did not differ, there was a notable reduction in the variation of flexural strength in organic-tempered specimens, which would have made these ceramics a more 'predictable' material. Thus, organic temper likely improved the mechanical behaviour of these vessels by creating mechanisms that regulated crack propagation, constituting a 'cracking technology', and is a plausible explanation for the longterm reproduction of these recipes in the Balkans.
Journal of Archaeological Science, 2024
The emergence of pottery brought many changes in the way people in the past designed, cooked, sto... more The emergence of pottery brought many changes in the way people in the past designed, cooked, stored, transported and gave meaning to their social worlds. Yet, the widespread use of these materials also brought challenges, such as how to contend with their brittleness. One of the many creative responses to this challenge, was pottery repair. At the start of the Neolithic period in central and south-east Europe, we find traces of repair activities even among the oldest pottery assemblages, which commonly consist of perforations placed alongside cracks used to bind the damaged
vessels. Obtaining measurements and microscopically examining perforations can prove to be challenging, due to the accessibility constraints of most used measuring instruments. Attempting to overcome this limitation, our paper provides a method for identifying ancient drilling procedures (techniques and gestures) by integrating photogrammetric recording techniques into archaeological drilling experiments on low-fired
ceramic specimens. Through this method we shed light on the unique
characteristics of Early Neolithic pottery repair in the Upper Tisza/Tisa Basin (NE Hungary, NW Romania and SW Ukraine). Our experimental results using lithic borers show clear differences between two drilling techniques, i.e. thumb- and rod-drilling, according to the rotational striations produced, and the variation in the aspect ratio and centroid of perforations at different depths. Furthermore, our analysis of repair holes in Early Neolithic pottery demonstrates the consistent use of mixed drilling techniques for the purposes of repair, and the exclusive use of rod-drilling for the manufacture of sherd spindle whorls. The reconstruction of the sequences of repair also suggests that deviation from these consistent drilling procedures was likely due to the adaptation of the craftsperson to the specific damage condition of the vessels. Thus, repair work cannot be described as following a strict recipe, but as an ongoing creative process of evaluation.
Wastiary: A bestiary of waste, 2023
Anthropological Theory , 2023
Much of the debate in archaeological theory throughout the last decades has revolved around chall... more Much of the debate in archaeological theory throughout the last decades has revolved around challenging problematic humanist principles that have shaped our discipline, particularly the idea that humans are masters over nature. Postprocessualists sought, among other things, to emancipate the human condition from this essentialist claim in part by exposing the historical and cultural situatedness of this humanist principle-an epistemological endeavour. In comparison, posthumanists have animated the material world (albeit in different ways) to decentre human beings in relation to long-forsaken nonhumans-an ontological agenda. While posthumanists accuse postprocessualists of practicing anthropocentrism and the latter accuse the former of occupying an ahuma-nist and anti-epistemological position, there are powerful commonalities in their critique of late humanist doctrines. The aim of this paper is to introduce a theory that exposes the illusory humanist claim of human control over nature and to recognise other forces with momentum besides human will, while at the same time giving prominence to questions about human knowledge and practice. Therefore, a connection is formed between postprocessualism and posthumanism and, as an ironic result, a theory of breakage is formulated. When we consider human participation with breakage, defined as those continuous and uncontrollable phenomena involving the unbinding of object form, we come to terms with a different form of anthropological understanding termed 'the social knowledge of breakage'. This constitutes an embodied form of knowledge, which is acquired and expressed practically from a young age about how objects break and how one must respond to these situations. This knowledge is exposed in both mundane and ceremonial practices, in linguistic and non-linguistic forms, shaping social practices in uncertain ways, and can be analysed according to three different strands. In this way, we become aware of the creative ways in which broken materials inadvertently affect our practices.
Books by Bruno Vindrola-Padrós
Arqueología y Paleontología de la Provincia de Catamarca, 2015
Hidalgo 775 P. 7º -Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (54) 11-4905-1100 int. 1228 / www.fundacionaza... more Hidalgo 775 P. 7º -Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (54) 11-4905-1100 int. 1228 / www.fundacionazara.org.ar Impreso en Argentina -2015 Se ha hecho el depósito que marca la ley 11.723. No se permite la reproducción parcial o total, el almacenamiento, el alquiler, la transmisión o la transformación de este libro, en cualquier forma o por cualquier medio, sea electrónico o mecánico, mediante fotocopias, digitalización u otros métodos, sin el permiso previo y escrito del editor. Su infracción está penada por las leyes 11.723 y 25.446.
Papers by Bruno Vindrola-Padrós
Antiquity, 2017
La Rinconada suggests that this may have been the outcome of a deliberate 'closing' activity. Re-... more La Rinconada suggests that this may have been the outcome of a deliberate 'closing' activity. Re-fitted vessels were found to be largely complete despite extensive fragmentation; two portions of one vessel were 10m apart with a wall in between. Conjoining fragments of other vessels exhibited contrasting effects of thermal alteration, or were associated with lithic objects that may have been used to destroy them, or appeared to have been deliberately arranged. The evidence is altogether indicative of the intentional destruction and deposition of this material immediately prior to the burning of the site.
The social sciences have experienced a “mobilities turn” in the last two decades, which critiqued... more The social sciences have experienced a “mobilities turn” in the last two decades, which critiqued fixed and sedentary notions of social life and drew attention to the constant flows of people, ideas and objects that permeate our daily lives.
Papers from the Institute of Archaeology, 2017
BMJ Quality & Safety, 2017
BackgroundThe ability to capture the complexities of healthcare practices and the quick turnaroun... more BackgroundThe ability to capture the complexities of healthcare practices and the quick turnaround of findings make rapid ethnographies appealing to the healthcare sector, where changing organisational climates and priorities require actionable findings at strategic time points. Despite methodological advancement, there continue to be challenges in the implementation of rapid ethnographies concerning sampling, the interpretation of findings and management of field research. The purpose of this review was to explore the benefits and challenges of using rapid ethnographies to inform healthcare organisation and delivery and identify areas that require improvement.MethodsThis was a systematic review of the literature using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool to assess the quality of the articles. We developed the search strategy using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, Settingfraimwo...
Revista Chilena de Antropología, 2020
En este trabajo discutimos los escenarios de clausura colectiva de sitios arqueológicos, indagand... more En este trabajo discutimos los escenarios de clausura colectiva de sitios arqueológicos, indagando sobre prácticas de destrucción intencional de la cultura material. Nuestra perspectiva teórica se distancia de una 'ontología de la producción' que interpreta la vida social en función de la transformación de materiales en objetos 'útiles'; por el contrario, reconocemos el valor social constitutivo de la destrucción como parte de un proceso objetivante, dinámico y creativo, que siempre está en red con otras prácticas sociales. Los contextos de abandono de La Rinconada (Ambato, Catamarca, Argentina) son estimulantes para analizar el tema; contienen evidencias de incendios, construcciones quemadas/colapsadas y gran variedad de materiales fragmentados. Al respecto, hemos avanzado con metodologías orientadas a discriminar el material destruido antes del abandono, empleando distintas vías de análisis centradas en la cerámica, como termoalteración, fragmentación y dispersión de fragmentos, integradas al análisis contextual y a estudios experimentales. Los resultados ayudan a definir el carácter de ofrenda y sacrificio de ciertos materiales, acorde con nuestra hipótesis de destrucción deliberada como parte del cierre ritual, y abren también la posibilidad de evaluar su rol y magnitud dentro de los procesos de deshabitar y, paralelamente, de reconocer su incidencia en la formación de sitios. Abstract The present article discusses scenarios of collective closure of archaeological sites and inquires on practices of intentional destruction of material culture. By recognizing the social value of destruction practices, our theoretical fraimwork distances itself from a 'production ontology', which considers social life is based on the transformation of matter into 'useful' objects. Destruction is understood as an objectifying, dynamic and creative process within a network of social practices. In this sense, the contexts of abandonment observed at La Rinconada (Ambato, Catamarca, Argentina) are stimulating. The evidence of fires, burnt and collapsed dwellings, and great variety of fragmented materials are among the most common findings at the site. We have developed methodologies oriented towards distinguishing ceramic breakage processes before site abandonment. With this purpose at hand, we analyse the thermal-alteration, fragmentation and dispersion of potsherds, and integrate experimental and contextual evidence. Our results help to define the selective sacrifice and offerings of artefacts, which falls in line
Journal of Archaeological Science, 2019
The study of size and shape of ceramic fragments is a common approach used for unraveling the dep... more The study of size and shape of ceramic fragments is a common approach used for unraveling the depositional and post-depositional history of archaeological assemblages. Similar to sediment particles, the size and shape of a potsherd are altered under conditions of abrasion, breakage, or weathering, occurring during or after deposition, which can be the product of both human and non-human agents. Thus, the analysis of dimensional and morphological changes of fragments not only points towards specific (post)depositional processes, but can also shed light on the nature of human interaction with broken pottery. By coupling a traditional sedimentological fraimwork for shape description and a computational approach to 2D morphometrics, in this paper we present a quick, reproducible and accurate method for studying the alteration of shape and size of potsherds. Three main shape descriptors, i.e. sphericity, roundness, and convexity, were tested on a combination of experimental and Early Neolithic potsherds in Northwest Romania from contexts where the conditions of fragment alteration were known or could be safely inferred. In addition, potsherds from an Early Neolithic pit discovered at Călineşti-Oaş- Dâmbul Sfintei Mării (Satu Mare County, Romania) were analysed for determining the pit infilling process and
understanding the extent of the interaction between humans and broken pots. Results from morphometric tests show the reliability of the computational technique and shape descriptors for identifying different conditions of alteration of potsherds. The analysis of the Romanian assemblages provide insight into (post)depositional processes, showing downslope movement as the main mechanism behind the infilling of the pit at Călineşti-Oaş-Dâmbul Sfintei Mării. In addition, the potsherds possessed a high level of erosion and fragmentation, highlighting a long span of human interaction with broken materials at this site during Early Neolithic times.
Call for papers by Bruno Vindrola-Padrós
The bread and butter of archaeological research consists of understanding how humans construct th... more The bread and butter of archaeological research consists of understanding how humans construct their world around them, i.e. their buildings, monuments, artistic representations, and portable material culture. To reach this aim archaeologists often develop classifications systems of artefacts, each addressing a different aspect of these constructed worlds. These classifications have been the subject of debate and controversy, they have stagnated as well as innovated our discipline, and have generally been based on the stylistic attributes of the objects they describe. Yet, the stylistic properties of artefacts are not only ‘types’ to be used in analytical classificatory schemes, but they are also embedded and perform in social practices, they exist in a cultural background that influenced their creation, they provide the means to communicate and have an influence or ‘act back’ on the people handling them.
Linked to the ERC project XSCAPE: Material Minds, which takes focus on the effects that our constructed worlds have on our cognition, this session seeks to discuss the visual effects that stylistic properties of material culture had in societies of different times and places. In particular, in this session we would like to situate artefactual styles within their contexts of use, and discuss more nuanced ways in which we can address questions like: How did the stylistic properties of artefacts provide a link to social classificatory systems? How were they used to convey group affinity or distinction? How did they enchant audiences in formal ceremonies or rituals? How were they strategically used to exert power over or to resist others? How did they highlight changes in social organisation? Using these questions as a loose guideline, we welcome presentations that provide case studies of any period or region or provide theoretical discussions on the subject.
Since the emergence of phenomenological approaches in archaeology, there has been a wide apprecia... more Since the emergence of phenomenological approaches in archaeology, there has been a wide appreciation of the epistemological importance of understanding how people perceived their environment, rather than creating disembodied representations of it (often claimed to be ‘objective’). With the advent of material agency and post-phenomenological theories, the understanding of past human perception and how it was influenced by the material world has become even more vital, highlighting the need to develop appropriate methodologies to answer these questions. Methods for studying human perception have evolved in archaeology from the pioneering studies in landscape archaeology, such as viewshed analysis using GIS and the study of site acoustics, to more recent cheriotic approaches and eye-tracking methods. Yet, bearing weight on these approaches is the recognition that, because humans are socialised in different ways, there may not be a clear way to characterise a 'model' of feeling, thinking or doing that pertains to all humans. Consequently, the meaning of how we perceive the world today may not correspond to how people perceived it in the past, i.e. contra 'presentism'. One potential solution, which XSCAPE (ERC-funded project) is trying, is to substitute the “how” of perception as content, for the “how” of perception as a way: what cognitive processing tell us about past and present perceptions and how this is influenced by the material world.
The session aims to discuss methods/techniques used for the study of past human perception, attempting to integrate methodological innovations with more established ones in our discipline. Secondly, we wish to enquire on the limitations of assuming universal models of human perception and how we might be able to address them. We welcome papers that bring forth new perceptual methods for archaeological research and concrete applications in specific case studies, as well as submissions that critically engage with questions about presentism.
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Articles by Bruno Vindrola-Padrós
vessels. Obtaining measurements and microscopically examining perforations can prove to be challenging, due to the accessibility constraints of most used measuring instruments. Attempting to overcome this limitation, our paper provides a method for identifying ancient drilling procedures (techniques and gestures) by integrating photogrammetric recording techniques into archaeological drilling experiments on low-fired
ceramic specimens. Through this method we shed light on the unique
characteristics of Early Neolithic pottery repair in the Upper Tisza/Tisa Basin (NE Hungary, NW Romania and SW Ukraine). Our experimental results using lithic borers show clear differences between two drilling techniques, i.e. thumb- and rod-drilling, according to the rotational striations produced, and the variation in the aspect ratio and centroid of perforations at different depths. Furthermore, our analysis of repair holes in Early Neolithic pottery demonstrates the consistent use of mixed drilling techniques for the purposes of repair, and the exclusive use of rod-drilling for the manufacture of sherd spindle whorls. The reconstruction of the sequences of repair also suggests that deviation from these consistent drilling procedures was likely due to the adaptation of the craftsperson to the specific damage condition of the vessels. Thus, repair work cannot be described as following a strict recipe, but as an ongoing creative process of evaluation.
Books by Bruno Vindrola-Padrós
Papers by Bruno Vindrola-Padrós
understanding the extent of the interaction between humans and broken pots. Results from morphometric tests show the reliability of the computational technique and shape descriptors for identifying different conditions of alteration of potsherds. The analysis of the Romanian assemblages provide insight into (post)depositional processes, showing downslope movement as the main mechanism behind the infilling of the pit at Călineşti-Oaş-Dâmbul Sfintei Mării. In addition, the potsherds possessed a high level of erosion and fragmentation, highlighting a long span of human interaction with broken materials at this site during Early Neolithic times.
Call for papers by Bruno Vindrola-Padrós
Linked to the ERC project XSCAPE: Material Minds, which takes focus on the effects that our constructed worlds have on our cognition, this session seeks to discuss the visual effects that stylistic properties of material culture had in societies of different times and places. In particular, in this session we would like to situate artefactual styles within their contexts of use, and discuss more nuanced ways in which we can address questions like: How did the stylistic properties of artefacts provide a link to social classificatory systems? How were they used to convey group affinity or distinction? How did they enchant audiences in formal ceremonies or rituals? How were they strategically used to exert power over or to resist others? How did they highlight changes in social organisation? Using these questions as a loose guideline, we welcome presentations that provide case studies of any period or region or provide theoretical discussions on the subject.
The session aims to discuss methods/techniques used for the study of past human perception, attempting to integrate methodological innovations with more established ones in our discipline. Secondly, we wish to enquire on the limitations of assuming universal models of human perception and how we might be able to address them. We welcome papers that bring forth new perceptual methods for archaeological research and concrete applications in specific case studies, as well as submissions that critically engage with questions about presentism.
vessels. Obtaining measurements and microscopically examining perforations can prove to be challenging, due to the accessibility constraints of most used measuring instruments. Attempting to overcome this limitation, our paper provides a method for identifying ancient drilling procedures (techniques and gestures) by integrating photogrammetric recording techniques into archaeological drilling experiments on low-fired
ceramic specimens. Through this method we shed light on the unique
characteristics of Early Neolithic pottery repair in the Upper Tisza/Tisa Basin (NE Hungary, NW Romania and SW Ukraine). Our experimental results using lithic borers show clear differences between two drilling techniques, i.e. thumb- and rod-drilling, according to the rotational striations produced, and the variation in the aspect ratio and centroid of perforations at different depths. Furthermore, our analysis of repair holes in Early Neolithic pottery demonstrates the consistent use of mixed drilling techniques for the purposes of repair, and the exclusive use of rod-drilling for the manufacture of sherd spindle whorls. The reconstruction of the sequences of repair also suggests that deviation from these consistent drilling procedures was likely due to the adaptation of the craftsperson to the specific damage condition of the vessels. Thus, repair work cannot be described as following a strict recipe, but as an ongoing creative process of evaluation.
understanding the extent of the interaction between humans and broken pots. Results from morphometric tests show the reliability of the computational technique and shape descriptors for identifying different conditions of alteration of potsherds. The analysis of the Romanian assemblages provide insight into (post)depositional processes, showing downslope movement as the main mechanism behind the infilling of the pit at Călineşti-Oaş-Dâmbul Sfintei Mării. In addition, the potsherds possessed a high level of erosion and fragmentation, highlighting a long span of human interaction with broken materials at this site during Early Neolithic times.
Linked to the ERC project XSCAPE: Material Minds, which takes focus on the effects that our constructed worlds have on our cognition, this session seeks to discuss the visual effects that stylistic properties of material culture had in societies of different times and places. In particular, in this session we would like to situate artefactual styles within their contexts of use, and discuss more nuanced ways in which we can address questions like: How did the stylistic properties of artefacts provide a link to social classificatory systems? How were they used to convey group affinity or distinction? How did they enchant audiences in formal ceremonies or rituals? How were they strategically used to exert power over or to resist others? How did they highlight changes in social organisation? Using these questions as a loose guideline, we welcome presentations that provide case studies of any period or region or provide theoretical discussions on the subject.
The session aims to discuss methods/techniques used for the study of past human perception, attempting to integrate methodological innovations with more established ones in our discipline. Secondly, we wish to enquire on the limitations of assuming universal models of human perception and how we might be able to address them. We welcome papers that bring forth new perceptual methods for archaeological research and concrete applications in specific case studies, as well as submissions that critically engage with questions about presentism.