Characterization of New Neolithic Engraved Pebbles in Sardinia

Surveys along the coastal plain near Terralba (Central-Western Sardinia) led to the discovery of several small engraved pebbles, which have not as yet been documented. The sites where these objects were found show the Neolithic dwelling pattern typical of the region, with open-air settlements on the top of alluvial terraces. The surroungin environment is characterised by the presence of wide wetlands along which human settlemens increased in number starting from the beginning of first Neolithization. Generally, as to chronology and cultural pertinence, carved pebbles of such typology have been variously assigned among the Neolithic periods. The study on material complexes of Sardinian settlements suggests that these carved pebbles can probably be dated to the Early Neolithic Age, in the phase of cardial ware facies. In the present work a preliminary analysis enlightens typological and technological features of carved pebbles: a preliminary classifications for the geometric patterns carved on these objects is also proposed.