Paste recipes and raw material sources for pottery-making in hunter-gatherer communities in the forest zone of Eastern Europe (Dnepr-Dvina region, 7–6th millennia BC). (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kulkova, Marianna; Mazurkevich, Andrey; Dolbunova, Ekaterina
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 21(2018)
• Page Start: 962
• Page End: 972
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Pottery technology -- XRF-analysis -- Petrographic analysis -- Pottery of hunter-gatherers -- Eastern Europe; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Research -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2017.04.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-409X

Abstract

Abstract: The Dnepr-Dvina region was one of the first areas in the forest zone where pottery appeared during the first half of the 7th mill. BC. The analysis of samples of ceramic paste and raw materials together with reconstruction of other stages of the production chain allowed us to find out the role that raw materials and paste recipes played in the technology of the first pottery in this region. XRF-analysis, petrographic analysis, PCA and cluster analysis were carried out. The local lake sediments located near the archaeological sites were used for pottery making. Lake water fluctuations were one of the reasons for the availability of raw sources. The choice of raw material sources for pottery production in the Dnepr-Dvina region in the 7–6th mill. BC depended strongly not only on the availability of such materials, but also on technological traditions. Highlights: Raw material and paste recipes were conservative features. Technological traditions and resources availability were major factors of changes. Sediments sourced in close proximity to settlements were used to make vessels. Rare evidence of the vessels transportation showed different degrees of mobility. Long-distance influences (up to 1500 km) could be evidenced.