Neolithicand

Neolithicand is a term used in some archaeological discussions to denote a transitional cultural phase between the late Neolithic and the early Bronze Age in certain regions. It is not a formal, widely adopted chronology but a provisional label applied to assemblages that combine Neolithic lifeways with early metallurgy and evolving social practices. The concept emphasizes processes such as intensified farming, settlement consolidation, and the gradual appearance of social differentiation that unfold unevenly across landscapes.

Chronology and geography: The designation is applied variably, with dates that can span several centuries in different regions. In some areas of Eurasia, for example, Neolithicand contexts are identified where long-standing pottery traditions and sedentary farming intersect with the appearance of early metal objects and new craft Specialization. The geographic scope is regional rather than continental, reflecting localized timelines for the adoption of metalworking and changes in settlement patterns.

Material culture and subsistence: Proponents describe Neolithicand as a mosaic phase in which households maintain Neolithic technologies—such as polished stone tools and storage facilities—while incorporating copper or other early metal items. Settlements often show more permanent architecture, expanded storage and craft activities, and evidence of intensified agriculture and animal management alongside continuing material traditions.

Evidence and debate: Identification relies on stratigraphic sequences, radiocarbon dating, and the coexistence of Neolithic and early metal assemblages. The term is debated among scholars, with some arguing it risks overstating regional continuities, while others use it to highlight transitional dynamics that precede a full Bronze Age system.

See also: Neolithic, Bronze Age, Metallurgy.