Analysis of the ceramics from Oukaïmeden: Technology and context

Abstract

The present work describes the study of the ceramic materials recovered in Oukaïmeden Valley, and its results. In this set of archaeological sites, we obtained information mainly from Aougnin n’ait Ourigh, and so we will examine it in detail. The site is located in one of the western platforms that access the mountain valley of Oukaïmeden. This settlement comprises a rock shelter, probably used only during the summer months. This site has provided the oldest chronologies for the presence of humans in the Moroccan High Atlas, between the late Fourth Millennium- the beginning of the Third Millennium calBC. In this shelter we recovered a small ceramic assemblage that, despite its limitations, gives us certain insight into the technological and cultural features of the Neolithic groups in an area where very little research in this particular field has been conducted so far. Other findings belonging to the Bronze Age are also examined and compared to other North African sites.