Trade and pottery consumption in the Cantabrian Asturian during the Early Modern Period

Abstract

The region of Asturias, located in the northwest of the Cantabrian coast of the Iberian Peninsula, was part of a network of transnational exchanges during the Early Modern Period. The archaeological excavations of the last years that have
taken place in Asturias have brought light to a great amount of archaeological pottery. This research presents the analysis of 3,066 pottery fragments, which were found in thirty-four archaeological excavations. The fragments come from twentyone different pottery production sites and date between the 16th and 18th century.  It clearly shows us how Asturias was open to the world through its Cantabrian ports in the Early Modern Period. These relations let Asturians to consume, together with their local productions, porcelain, lusterware, delftware or stoneware.