POT-FLOW a field-to-lab protocol to optimize the integrated analysis of pottery vessels contents v1

This contribution presents a sampling and decision-making protocol (Pot-Flow) designed to optimise the study of ceramic sherds that may have contained organic products such as drinks or foods. The protocol is based on the principle of minimising unnecessary manipulation while enabling the application of a maximum number of analytical techniques on the same fragment. It proposes a logical workflow that considers both specific procedures and the requirements of each analytical method, and structures around observable attributes and conditional steps. The primary aim of this early selection of candidate sherds directly in the field is to preserve as much information as possible from each by ensuring the physical integrity of fragile remains—such as foodcrusts and micro-remains—and avoiding contamination that could compromise chemical analyses. The protocol was tested during the 2025 season at the El Mirador site (Atapuerca, Spain), which allowed us to implement modifications and improvements reflected in this final version. Overall, Pot-Flow serves as a framework for a series of further analytical steps, with specific protocols developed for ceramic vessel analysis and can be adapted to the particular conditions of each field intervention and to any chronological period.