Beyond context: a productive approach to Iberian sculpture

Iberian sculpture poses major interpretive challenges due to the frequent loss of primary archaeological contexts. Traditionally approached through typological and stylistic frameworks, these works are often recovered in secondary settings or have been reused, making their original functions difficult to determine. This article adopts a biographical and productive perspective, tracing Iberian carved stone from quarrying and carving to reuse and final deposition. By focusing on material processes and labour, rather than solely on form or symbolism, it reframes sculpture as a product embedded in social and economic relations. The paper also reflects on the interpretive consequences of context loss and transformation, contributing to broader discussions on the biography of carved stone and the challenges of reconstructing meaning from displaced materials.