Fireplaces, ovens, furnaces and fire points in protohistoric Sardinia

Abstract

The paper proposes critical summary of the current data on fireplaces, ovens and furnaces identified in protohistoric Sardinia archaeological contexts between the Middle Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. The aim of the research is to offer a reflection both on the quantity and quality of data in order to the use of fire in archaeological contexts, and on the difficulties about to their recognition and to the related functional interpretation. The analysis was carried out on the basis of an updated repertory, including all the published evidence, with the aim of proposing the typological classification of combustion structures and of determining their features also in relation to the different areas of reference. It was necessary to identify a criterion for pyrotechnic structures classification that would take into account the type of context, morphology and, when possible, function. Traces of fire use have been identified in the archaeological stratifications, in more or less structured spaces and coinciding with different monumental evidences such as nuraghi, village areas, cultural complexes. In correspondence with these areas, within domestic, cultural or uncertain destination spaces, there are fireplaces and points of fire with widely varied structuring methods. Both combustion zones of different shapes and sizes without delimitation elements and structured hearths, defined by lithic elements, characterized by different levels of finishing and complexity, can be recognized. Ovens and furnaces are not well documented in quantitative terms but are better defined for their typological characteristics. The functional aspects have been examined through the recognition of indicators such as associated artifacts or other elements derived from the specific context and the spatial location of structures related to pyrotechnic activities.