Delia Carloni

Dr. Delia Carloni is a postdoctoral researcher in Archaeology at the University of Groningen's Groningen Institute of Archaeology (Faculty of Arts). Her research focuses on prehistoric archaeology, particularly the analysis of ceramic materials and their socio-cultural implications. She holds a PhD from the Université de Genève (Switzerland) and has conducted fieldwork and analyses at sites across Europe, including the Upper Rhône Valley, Calabria, and Piedmont. Her work integrates archaeometric techniques such as petrography, SEM-EDS, and residue analysis to study pottery production, raw material procurement, and ritual practices. Carloni has led projects examining megalithic societies, Bell Beaker cultures, and prehistoric engagement with cave environments.

Education:

• PhD in Prehistoric Archaeology, Université de Genève, 2022
• Graduate School in Archaeological Heritage, Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Federico II', 2017
• Master’s in Quaternary, Prehistory & Archaeology, Università degli Studi di Ferrara/Modena e Reggio Emilia, 2015
• Bachelor’s in Ancient Civilizations & Archaeology, Università degli Studi di Napoli 'L'Orientale', 2012

Research Interests:
Carloni specializes in pottery chaînes opératoires, cave archaeology, and the socio-economic dynamics of prehistoric communities. Her work explores how ceramic production and distribution reflect cultural integration (e.g., Bell Beaker phenomenon) and ritual activities in megalithic and cave contexts. Recent projects include analyzing Early Copper Age offerings in Calabrian caves and investigating Bronze Age pottery traditions in the Alps.

Grants & Projects:

• SNF Project (2017-2021): Social Organisation in the Upper Rhône Valley
• Current project: Function of cave pottery at Grotte di Sant’Angelo (Calabria)

Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Groningen Institute of Archaeology and collaborates with the Université de Genève and Università del Salento.