Ocher containers and trade in the central Mediterranean Copper Age

Abstract

Recent excavations at Serra del Palco, near Milena, in south-central Sicily north of Agrigento, have led to the discovery of a group of small jars belonging to the first phase of the Copper Age (San Cono-Piano Notaro-Grotta Zubbia Phase). The jars held ocher and were buried in small pits. They testify to ritual practices and identify this class of jars specifically as ocher containers. In addition they provide important evidence of prehistoric contacts between Sicily and Malta. On Malta potters of the Zebbug Culture employed ocher, most probably imported from Sicily, and Zebbug pottery reflects influence from San Cono-Piano Notaro-Grotta Zubbia wares, which may have been transmitted, at least in part, by ocher jars like those from Serra del Palco.