Full-text resources of CEJSH and other databases are now available in the new Library of Science.
Visit https://bibliotekanauki.pl

Results found: 7

first rewind previous Page / 1 next fast forward last

Search results

help Sort By:

help Limit search:
first rewind previous Page / 1 next fast forward last
1

Przemysł ze skał niekrzemiennych w mezolicie ziem polskich? Z wyników badań stanowiska Ludowice 6, gm. Wąbrzeźno

100%
Osipowicz G.
Przegląd Archeologiczny
|
2013
|
vol. 61
145-188
EN
Stone products constitute one of the basic types of sources identified on Stone Age sites. In case of the earlier and middle phase of this period it is often the only source. The area of Polish Lands is rich in flints, what made them the basic raw material used for tool production in this region during primeval times. Other rock species had less importance in this regard. However, as is commonly believed, they were used for making macrolithic forms of different types. The introduction of such classification, particularly its uncritical acceptance, despite the fact that it is often reflected at the archeological sites, may however generate mistakes. It is not a secret that in areas of difficult access to flint, technically inferior types of fine crystalline rocks, e.g. quartz, quartzite, fine crystalline sandstones etc., were often utilized in production of tools of everyday use as equivalents. One cannot exclude that this happened also on the territory of Poland. Recently, a very interesting collection of stone artifacts from non-flint rocks has been discovered during the study of multicultural site Ludowice 6, in the Wąbrzeźno commune. Ludowice 6 site, Wąbrzeźno comm. The Ludowice 6 site is located in the central part of the Chełmno Lake District, on the Chełmińska Height, in the contact zone of sandur and a large kettle hole, filled with biogenic sediments (peat) (Fig. 1). Archeological research of the site began in 2009 on behalf of the Institute of Archeology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, and so far they have covered the area of 628,5m2 (Fig. 2). The group of collected mobile sources includes (as for 2012): 11349 flint artifacts, 674 artifacts from other stone materials, 227 bones and (in the peat part) a few wooden sources. The main settlement phase of this area of the site took place in the Mesolithic, when it used to be frequently visited mostly by the representatives of Komornica culture (Duvensee tradition) in Atlantic period). Primaeval materials discovered on the site occurred in three aggregations. On the basis of observations made in the course of archeological research as well as opinions of a soil scientist and a geomorphologist it was concluded that Mesolithic materials occurring in the sandur part of the site, in the top of rusty soil, are located in the primary deposit (in situ) and were not subject to significant displacements. Results of material, morphological and technological analysis of materials from non-flint rocks During previous research at the Ludowice 6 site discovered have been 579 stone artifacts made of non-flint rocks, qualified for further analyze as specimens potentially subjected to treatment. Petrographic study of this collection, conducted by dr Halina Pomianowska from the Department of Geology and Hydrogeology of the Institute of Geography, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, showed that the majority of them was made from red quartz porphyry, ferruginous quartz sandstone or fine-grained red granite (Tab. 1). The collection contained also, in much smaller amounts, items from other species of granite and sandstone, quartzites, gneisses, mudstones, slates and single minerals of quartzes and feldspars. The material was subjected to multifaceted analysis, the main aim of which was the verification the hypothesis on its anthropogenity. Red quartz porphyry It is the most frequently represented type of raw material in the analyzed collection. Discovered were 297 artifacts made of this material (Tab. 1). The group of specimens identified as cores amounts to 13 pieces and includes: one striking platform blade core with a prepared striking platform (Tabl. 1: 1, Fig. 3: 1), two artifacts of core that has changed orientation or are two striking platform cores (Tabl. 1: 2, 3; Fig. 3: 4), three specimens which can be considered as splintered cores (Tabl. 1: 4-6; Fig. 3: 3), three specimens with attributes of multi platform flake cores (Tabl. 1: 7; Fig. 3: 2) and four forms with single negatives. The group of blades contained 15 artifacts (Tabl. 1: 8-12; Fig. 3: 5, 6). Besides the material the group included also a specimen with features of a partly-crested blade (Tabl. 1: 13). 247 flakes and pieces of porphyry waste (Tabl. 1: 14-18; Fig. 3: 7-9) as well as 13 technical specimens were collected at the site (Tabl. 1: 19-24; Fig. 3: 12). The collection of probable morphological tools amounts to 22 specimens. One can distinguish: four end-scrapers (Tabl. 2: 1-3, 5; Fig. 3: 10, 16, 18), a retouched blade (Tabl. 2: 4; Fig. 3: 15), a fragment of microlith, certainly a triangle (Tabl. 2: 6; Fig. 3: 14), two side scrapers (Tabl. 2: 7, 8; Fig. 3: 17), four retouched flakes (Tabl. 2: 9-12; Fig. 3: 13), a retouched core form (Tabl. 2: 13), five burins (Tabl. 2: 14-16; Fig. 3: 11) and four forms the features of which do not allow for their more certain typologization. Red granite 115 artifacts made of this material were distinguished (Tab. 1), among which found were three core forms: one striking platform flake core (Tabl. 3: 1), both sides, bipolar splintered core (Tabl. 3: 2; Fig. 4: 1) and multi striking platform flake core in early stages of debitage. 12 artifacts of blade parameters occurred (Tabl. 3: 3-6; Fig. 4: 2, 3), besides which four blade technical forms deserve attention (Tabl. 3: 7-10; Fig. 4: 4, 5). The group of flakes and waste contained 97 specimens (Tabl. 3: 11-15; Fig. 4: 6-8). In the collection three forms with features of morphological tools were distinguished, all of them are burins (Tabl. 3: 16-18; Fig. 4: 9). Red quartzite sandstone The collection contained 99 artifacts z red quartzite sandstone (Tab. 1). Distinguished were four one striking platform cores (Tabl. 4: 1, 2; Fig. 4: 15) and one two striking platform core (Tabl. 4: 3; Fig. 4: 16). Blades are represented by 13 specimens (Tabl. 4: 4-9; Fig. 4: 14, 17-19) and two blade technical forms (Tabl. 4: 10, 11). Identified were 74 flakes and pieces of waste (Tabl. 4: 12-16; Fig. 4: 20, 22-24). The collection of artifacts considered as morphological tools amounts to seven specimens, including six probable burins (Tabl. 4: 17-20, 5: 4; Fig. 4: 21, 5: 4-6). Grey quartz sandstone 28 artifacts made of this raw material were collected (Tab. 1). The group of cores contained four one striking platform forms (Tabl. 5: 1-3; Fig. 5: 1-3) and blade specimen with the attributes of two striking platform core. The group of semi product included one blade and 22 flakes and pieces of waste. The only distinguished morphological tool is a blade with a retouched cavity (Tabl. 5: 5; Fig. 5: 6). Quartzite The collection contained 18 quartzite artifacts (Tab. 1). This group included: hypothetical core (Tabl. 3: 19; Fig. 4: 10), four blades (Tabl. 3: 20-22; Fig. 4: 13), 10 flakes and three tools: end-scraper (Tabl. 3: 25; Fig. 4: 11), a retouched bulb part of a blade (Tabl. 3: 24; Fig. 4: 12) and a burin (Tabl. 3: 23). Other materials Besides the artifacts described above, the collection included also single specimens of other rock species, such as: gneisses, mudstones, slates and single minerals of quartzes and feldspars. Artifacts or geofacts? Artifacts of quartz porphyry The group of porphyry artifacts is the largest one. The search for the origin of the collection began with testing the surface of the site and its surroundings for the presence of possible porphyry sources. Results of this investigation showed that the material was concentrated only within the site. Further analysis of the spread of porphyry artifacts was restricted to the area covered by excavations. It was found that they occurred here only in trenches, in which registered were the remnants of primaeval settlement (Fig. 6). Their spreading manner was not uniform. In the western habitat they used to accumulate in the centre of the area covered by research, in the region of registration of the largest number of other types of artifacts, constituting a clearly visible aggregation (Fig. 7). In the habitat located more towards east one can distinguish two aggregations of this type. The spreading manner of the materials indicates its anthropogenic origin and connection with primaeval source present at the site. Further arguments for this hypothesis were provided by results of artifacts’ morphological analysis. All the porphyry cores wear traces of processing, characteristics of which indicate a connection with intentional human activity. Systems of negatives observed on them carry the marks of intentionality of undertaken activities, and their forms themselves and techniques applied in their treatment have strict analogies in flint artifacts. Also the majority of identified porphyry material wears identical signs indicating the anthropogenic origin. Further arguments were provided by the analysis of a group of morphological tools. Attention is drawn here by similarity of porphyry forms to those registered among artifacts made of flint. Also the very manner of their production, including the applied retouch, is analogous and differs significantly in the majority of cases, from use or post-depositional fractures (Osipowicz in print). Similar conclusions can be drawn through analysis of the distinguished burins. Also adjustments, to which some of the artifacts were subjected, e.g. end-scrapers, find their analogies in collections of flint materials (Osipowicz 2010, 196-201). Use-wear analyze of the collection led to registration of quite uniform damage. All the analyzed artifacts had rounded edges (both in the retouched and raw parts – Fig. 8a), what indicates significant post-depositional changes of their surface. However, on their isolated fragments observed were smoothness and atypical linear polish (Fig. 8b). It is hardly visible and may raise doubts. However, the set contained two specimens the with damage of very probable usage character. On the first one a rounding was observed, very clearly visible also macroscopically (Fig. 9a), the further microscopic analysis of which showed the presence of spread linear polish of invasive range, covering the top parts of the micro structure of the material (Fig. 9b). On the second artifact (scraper) discovered were very well developed polish as well as linear traces (Fig. 10). To the use-wear analyze subjected was also the only one in the collection microlith (probable triangle). On the specimen identified was a „spin off” and a series of several micro-burin facets, completely damaging the blade of the artifact ad one of its sides (Fig. 11). Observed traces indicate that the specimen was used as a arrow- or spearhead. Results of all conducted analyses seem thus to indicate the anthropogenity of the collection of porphyry artifacts. Granite artifacts The range of occurrence of granite artifacts was related to spreading of other types of artifacts and in some places they used to occur in aggregations (Fig. 12, 13). Features of some specimens quite clearly indicate the anthropogenic origin. The group of cores contained two forms with ordered negatives, the arrangement and characteristics of which have a strict analogy in techniques used in Stone Age in flint material treatment. Both the specimen identified as blade core and splintered core wear traces of planned, multi-phased treatment, aimed at obtaining a regular semi-product. Anthropogenic features are present also in specimens considered as semi-product, particularly blades. In the majority of cases they have regular, parallel sides, convergent layout of negatives on the top side and trapezoidal cross-sections. Of major importance is here also, undoubtedly, the presence of four technical forms, having strict analogies among flint artifacts. Similar regularity is characteristic for the majority of specimens ascribed to the group of flakes. Anthropogenity of this collections seems very probable. Artifacts made of quartzite sandstone Sandstone artifacts occurred in aggregations the range of which was restricted to the distribution zone of other types of primaeval products. Basically, the aggregations of these artifacts covered the range of aggregations of artifacts made of other materials, although some discrepancies have been also registered here (Fig. 14, 15). Worth noting is a significant uniformity of these materials. The majority of them (78%) are specimens made of ferruginous quartzite sandstone; the remaining ones differ only in color from them. This type of sandstone is well fissible and despite appearances quite hard. Experiments with its treatment showed that one can obtain from it a semi-product of varying size and very sharp edges, including blades, from which various tools can be made, also microliths (Fig. 16). All the discovered cores of quartzite sandstone are characterized by ordered negatives, the arrangement of which shows tendencies to made flakes with parallel edges and parameters close to blades. What draws attention is a large resemblance of the described forms and clear ways of dealing with them to those observed in case of flint artifacts. A similar statement can be formulated in relation to the identified semi-product. The content of the group of morphological tools is most probably due to technological parameters of the quartzite sandstone. All the discovered morphological burins from the collection were made based on the techniques used in flint materials treatment. Among the flint artifacts they also have strict analogies. Their connection with human activity, similarly as in the case of the remaining quartzite sandstone artifacts, seems quite certain. Quartzite artifacts The collection of quartzite products is not very numerous, what causes problems in its precise analysis. Of anthropogenic origin are, however, most probably all the distinguished morphological tools, what is supported by their forms and the arrangement of negatives observed on them. To sum up the above remarks, it is clear that all the precisely discussed materials were certainly processed to a varying degree at the Ludowice 6 site. Analyzing their distribution in the region covered with excavations one may statistically distinguish at least five places of their concentration. Certainly, these are not remains of points of intense material treatment, but rather traces of its use or possibly its occasional processing. In the western habitat two concentrations are distinguished, one of which contains mainly porphyry and sandstone artifacts (22 specimens in total), and the other – those made of sandstone and granite (17 specimens). In the habitat located further to the East at least three concentrations are found, amounting to 35, 15 and 13 artifacts. In one of them artifacts from porphyry, sandstone and granite occurred; the latter material did not occur in the two remaining concentrations. All the concentrations from the eastern aggregation should be considered as examined only fragmentarily. Possible reasons of non-flint rocks treatment at the Ludowice 6 site The actual genesis of the collection of porphyry artifacts seems to be described by results of the conducted morphological and use-wear analysis. They show that porphyry cracking in Ludowice bears the characteristics of coring oriented at the production of semi-product and tools used for various works. However, at this stage of research it is difficult to tell what kind of. The conducted experimental studies (Fig. 17) suggest that porphyry products only in slight degree (if at all) are inferior to flint tools, concerning both the effectiveness and resistance to damage, or versatility. Use-wear analysis of the experimental tools showed that use-wear traces occurring on porphyry tools may be quite similar to those observed on flint specimens (Fig. 18, 19). However, it is premature to transfer these observations onto primaeval artifacts. It is even more difficult to talk about the reasons of granite knapping at the Ludowice site. Most likely, however, crumbs (wastes) and some of the flakes found originate from the treatment of grinders and other macrolithic tools, the remaining ones form small-scale coring. Its reason remains unclear at this stage. Probably, an analogous is the situation in case of artifacts made of quartzite sandstones. Some of the flakes are certainly a remnant of the process of sanding plate production. However, as can be inferred from the presence and forms of the excavated cores, parameters of blades and flakes, and particularly the finding of specimens subjected to secondary treatment (i.e. morphological tools), the great majority of the found sandstone artifacts was formed probably in the course of coring, oriented at the production of semi-product, and – in consequence – tools. Unfortunately, concerning the technological parameters of the rock, we are unable at the moment (similarly as in the case of granite) to determine what was the purpose of their use. Industry chronology At the Ludowice site, covered by excavation research, identified were remains of primaeval settlement from three periods: Late Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Early Bronze Age. The planigraphic distribution of the deposition of described artifacts (Fig. 20, 21) as well as their morphological features allow to suggest their connection with the Mesolithic. Summary The industry of non-flint rocks distinguished at the Ludowice 6 site constitutes only less than 5% of all stone and flint artifacts collected so far from its surface. It is, however, certainly something new and raising interest on the ground of the present knowledge about the Middle Stone Age of the Polish Lands. Such aggregations are, however, present in the European Mesolithic, especially in places poor in high quality flint raw materials. Quartz and quartzite belonged to the basic materials used in tool production in some regions of Scandinavia and Ireland (Larsson 1990, 282; Price 1991, 220; Bang-Andersen 1996, 439; Bergman i in. 2003, 1456; Olofsson 2003, 3-4; Driscoll, Warren 2007; Ballin 2008, 8-14; Bailey 2008, 81; Hertell, Tallavaara 2011, 11; Manninen, Knutsson 2011, 169-173; Manninen, Tallavaara 2011, 194). They occur also, for instance, in materials from the area of Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, and even Spain (Gob, Jacques 1985, 167; Pallarés, Mora 1995, 68; Kriiska, Lőugas 1999; Kind 2006, 217; Bailey 2008, 229). At the Mesolithic Scandinavian sites one can find also porphyry artifacts (MacCurdy 1927, 397; 1937, 496; Larsson 1990, 282; Olofsson 2003, 3-4), constituting in some cases (e.g. Garaselet site in Sweden) almost 3/4 of the collection (Olofsson 2003, 9). Like (probably) at the Ludowice site, this rock was used in this region also for production of microliths (Manninen, Knutsson 2011, 146, 169, fig. 2). Quartzite sandstones were subjected to treatment in the Mesolithic at some Finnish and Estonian sites Kriiska, Lőugas 1999; Kankaanpää, Rankama 2011, 43). They were, however, subjected to treatment also in other region of Europe, e.g. in Spain (Pallarés, Mora 1995, 68). Granitoids, in the Middle Stone Age, were used mainly in production of macrolithic tools. The residues of granite treatment were found for instance in the Netherlands, Denmark or northern part of Urals (MacCurdy 1937, 496; Holst 2010, 2873; Mosin, Nikolsky 2010, 6). Some time ago also in Poland opinions started appearing, in which postulated is the possibility of treatment of different kinds of non-flint rocks at late glacial and early Holocene sites. This suggestion was first put forward by S. W. Krukowski and A. Nowakowski (Nowakowski 1976, 68). About early Holocene artifacts of this type H. Więckowska and M. Chmielewska (2007, 30-33) have written recently. Without a doubt, one should also mention here that artifacts made of red quartzite sandstone, analogous to those excavated in Ludowice, occurred also in a relatively large number at a, located only several tens of kilometers from the described site, Mesolithic cemetery in Mszano (site 14). Identified were here as well, although less numerous, artifacts made of red porphyry quartzite. Due to the dune character of the cemetery in Mszano, the presence of the recalled specimens cannot have natural reasons. In the light of cited data, the industry of Ludowice does not constitute, on the ground of European findings, something unusual, although the observations made will certainly be strengthened through acquiring more artifacts and reconstruction, by experimental and technological-morphological studies, of the full operational chain accompanying the treatment of the described materials. Confirmation is required also in the case of conclusions drawn in the course of the conducted use-wear analyses. Archeological works at the Ludowice site are still underway, while the conducted analyses are incomplete, what makes a future verification of the drawn conclusions possible. Certainly, doubts are raised by some of the described artifacts, particularly if one tries to consider them separately. However, taking into account the data collected so far, anthropogenity of the majority of analyzed materials seems very probable. Sources obtained in the course of research at the Ludowice 6 site indicate cracking of different types of non-flint rocks and production of tools from them. Stratigraphic-planigraphic observations made as well as results of preliminary technological-morphological analyses allow to date them for Mesolithic. The matter of the genesis of this process remain open. Perhaps important for the solution of this problem will be the presence in the collection of flint artifacts of quite specific microliths (shouldered points), having close analogies in Mesolithic Scandinavian and Western European materials (Price 1987, 258; Sjöström 1997, 8, Fig. 5:1-5; Galiński 2002, p. 59). With high degree of probability it should be stated that reasons of the formation of this industry should not be looked for in local material situation but rather in cultural traditions.
2

Zorganizowane i wyspecjalizowane obozowisko zbieraczy? Z wyników badań traseologicznych i przestrzennych materiałów mezolitycznych ze stanowiska Ludowice 6

100%
Osipowicz G.
Przegląd Archeologiczny
|
2015
|
vol. 63
59-85
XX
This article attempts to interpretation function and probable internal, spatial organization of the Late Mesolithic camps, discovered at western habitat at site Ludowice 6, Wąbrzeźno commune (central Poland). The site is located in the middle part of Chełmińskie Lakeland (Fig. 1), within a slope of a hill reaching the height of at most 100 m above the sea level. It is situated in the contact zone of sander and a large melt ice depression, presently filled with biogenic sediments (peat - Fig. 2). Excavation research was conducted here in 2009-2013. Altogether, it covered the area of 756m2. Prehistoric materials found on the examined part of the site formed three collections. According to the observations made during the excavations, as well as opinions of a soil scientist and a geomorphologist, they persisted here in the in situ contexts (Osipowicz et al. 2014). The first of the evolving concentrations (located farthest to the east) consists of remnants of Late Palaeolithic settlement, the remaining two are Mesolithic. Both Early Holocene aggregations found are relatively large (around 4 ares each). So far, precise analysis covered only artefacts originating from one of them, due to location called western habitat (Osipowicz et al. 2014). A spatial analysis of the spread of specimens found here allowed to distinguish two, partly overlapping flint scatters (numbered as 1 and 2 – Fig. 3-6). Altogether, the study of this area provided an unusually rich prehistoric material, which included, among others, 4026 flint artefacts. Technological and stylistic analyzes carried out indicate that these materials may be associated with the Komornica culture and dated for the late (Atlantic) phase of its development (Osipowicz et al. 2014). This chronology found its confirmation in the radiocarbon cross-dating of charcoal samples collected from the hearth, identified within the habitat (feature 10). Both dates provided by two different laboratories are very similar: 6540±45BP (Poz-52082) and 6660±80BP (KML-1706); they locate the described materials in the period directly preceding the occurrence of early-agricultural societies at the Chełmińskie Lakeland (Kirkowski 1994, 58). The basis for conclusions drawn in article were primarily the results of use-wear analyze, which covered all the artefacts from the habitat identified under the arable layer, i.e. specimens included in the planygraphy as well as the material from sieves, and also chosen artefacts from the arable layer (those for which there was no doubt as for their Mesolithic chronology, in practice geometrical insets and other backed forms as well as some end scrapers). Altogether, it covered 2031 flint artefacts, that is more than a half of the collection from the habitat. As a result of the conducted analysis, identified were 198 artefacts bearing use-wear traces, which were used for 209 functions (Tab. 1, Fig. 8-11). Function of the camps Flint scatter 1 may be considered as a remnant of some sort of a briefly used home structure and its backroom. Such interpretation is supported by several arguments. First, it is in agreement with the identification of a complex hearth and several other large features (Fig. 12), which may be considered as the result of activities of character going beyond temporary/occasional stay of a human group. Important is here also significant amount of bones found, and most of all the fact they originate from many animal species (Osipowicz et al. 2014), what may suggest a longer occupation of the place. Next of the arguments supporting this hypothesis is the functional structure of the collection, in which in a similar way (although in an usually small number) are represented artefacts related to processing of hide/meat and bone/antler, specimens associated with wood treatment are relatively numerous, but no significant content of projectile insets characteristic for hunting camps were found. It’s a very similar functional structure to observed in case of a collection from the flint scatter 2 in site Sąsieczno 4 (Osipowicz 2010, 238). Nevertheless described feature from Ludowice couldn’t be used for a longer time, what indicates a small amount of discovered tools. Situation is very different in the case of flint scatter 2. No fireplace was found here, no larger number of features, and no bones (Osipowicz et al. 2014), while the functional structure of the collection is generally quite similar to the one observed in case of flint scatter 1 from site Sąsieczno 4 (Osipowicz 2010, 238). Identified functional tools are mainly (omitting the group of tools for treatment of siliceous plants for the moment) artefacts related to the processing of hide and meat, projectile insets as well as functionally uncertain but maybe directly associated with gathering or hunting microscrapers (Osipowicz 2010: 239). Such structure of the tool group suggests a hunting profile of the location. Thus, we are dealing here with collections largely corresponding in terms of functional structure to chronologically close Early Holocene collections from the site Sąsieczno 4. Interesting is also the occurrence here of the homestead-hunting camp arrangement observed in Sąsieczno. However, it is not possible to confirm its homogeneity, what precludes any far-reaching reasoning, going spatially beyond the area of a single flint scatter. Here the analogies between the two sites end. In materials from both concentrations found in the western habitation in Ludowice very strongly represented is also a functional group essentially absent in Sąsieczno, i.e. tools used for processing of siliceous plants. Artefacts included in it dominate both the studied collections and occurred in many types, what allows to claim that they probably evidence the basic activity of Mesolithic hunters in Ludowice. The results of hitherto analyzes indicate that curved knives constituting this group were most probably used in splitting and combing of plant fibers (Vaughan, Bocquet 1987: 402; Juel Jensen 1994: 67; van Gijn 2010: 66, Osipowicz 2010: 96). However, so far one did not succeed to identify with certainty the species which could be treated with the help of these tools. It is believed that these were perhaps plants useful for instance in making ropes or cloth production (Juel Jensen 1994: 63). Perhaps the discovery of a large number of these artefacts in Ludowice is a resultant of production exceeding the needs of single group. The existence of specialized workshops in the Mesolithic is suggested by findings from the site 7 in Krzyż Wielkopolski (Kabaciński et al. 2008). Localization of camp in Ludowice might be in such case determined by the consumption of resources provided by a peat bog located here in the Late Mesolithic, but most of all flora of ecological zone associated with it. Perhaps the availability of certain siliceous plant species, determined by the moment and length of their growth season fixed the time and duration of stay of Mesolithic people at the discussed site (occasional camp? – Galiński 2011: 90). This question however, has to remain unanswered, at least until an unambiguous interpretation of bent knives’ function is known. Internal organisation of the camps The methodology applied during excavations in Ludowice, especially the way of collecting and cataloguing of flint materials, together with a very good state of site preservation, allowed to carry out a precise spatial analysis and shed light on possible internal organization of the camp. Observation that comes to mind even after only a superficial analysis of various sources’ distribution in the settlement is the fact that both distinguished main flint scatter (1 and 2) do not form ensembles, where functional artefacts are spread evenly (Fig. 12). In both cases, they are concentrated in specific (southern) regions of flint scatter, occupying an area of approximately 5m2. At the same time, these were places with the highest concentration of flint artefacts, beyond which there were no significant signs of functional tools or any other relevant source categories. Therefore, these sites comprise the zone of economic activity (EA zone) of Mesolithic groups and, interestingly, in both concentrations cover less than a half of area where flint artefacts forming the flint scatter. The second important observation is the presence of large features in the centre of both EA zones, around which the economic activity of human groups was probably centred. In flint scatter 1 it is a hearth (feature 10) while in flint scatter 2 it is feature 2, relatively rich in prehistoric material (Osipowicz et al. 2014). The area around these features can be analysed in terms of zonality of tools (observable to some extent) related to the processing of particular types of raw materials and other artefacts which express human economic activity within a particular EA zone (Fig. 12). And so, feature 10 in flint scatter 1 constituted not only the central area of flint processing, but also of treatment of other stone materials. On its western side, works related to the processing of siliceous plants were performed, while on east and south sides most of works in wood were carried out. Bones were abundant within the whole area, and are most likely the remains of meals prepared on the hearth. Organization of the EA zone of flint scatter 2 is slightly different. Stone raw material was processed on the west side of centrally located pit (feature 2). The eastern and southern part of the zone was the site of siliceous plants’ processing. However, there was also a narrow area in this zone related to treatment of hide and meat (Fig. 12). Moreover, several microscrapers and flint projectile points were present in a scattered manner in flint scatter 2, which is probably the result of a functional profile different from that observed in concentration 1. Both Mesolithic sites are characterized by a rather large analogy in terms of the overall functional structure, and particularly the organization of internal space of settlements. However, until the larger number of collections is investigated and observations made here are confirmed, no far-reaching conclusions concerning presented issues can be drawn.
3

A Late Band Pottery culture settlement at site 40 in Trzciano, Wąbrzeźno commune

100%
Osipowicz G.
Sprawozdania Archeologiczne
|
2015
|
vol. 67
139-164
EN
Site 40 in Trzciano is located in the southern part of Wieczno lake in the Chełmno Lakeland. Archaeological research carried out there in 2012 uncovered multicultural material including sources related to late Banded Pottery settlement. The paper presents analysis of the material, covering the character of nonportable objects; the technology, morphology and style of ceramics and flint items, the function of flint artefacts, petrographic and stylistic analysis of stone artefacts, morphological and functional analysis of antler artefacts, and C14 dating
4

Materials of Linear Band Pottery Culture from site 17 in Małe Radowiska, Wąbrzeźno comm., Kujawsko-pomorskie voivodeship

51%
Osipowicz G., Balonis-Chyb A., Pomianowska H., Wałaszewska H.
Sprawozdania Archeologiczne
|
2012
|
vol. 64
215-267
EN
Archaeological site at Małe Radowska is located in the area of Chełmno Land (Ziemia Chełmińska) within the south part of the so-called Wąbrzeskie Hills (Pagórki Wąbrzeskie). During archaeological activity in the years 2005–2006 numerous artifacts related to the settlement dated to the late phase of the Linear Band Pottery Culture were excavated. The paper presents the results of analysis of identified sources, including research on the nature of stationary objects discovered, technology, morphology and style of pottery, as well as types of flint tools and their function. Also, presented are the results of petrographic and stylistic analysis of stone monuments found and spectrum of species represented there by skeletal remains.
5
Publication available in full text mode
Content available

Obozowiska mezolityczne ze stanowiska Ludowice 6, powiat wąbrzeski, siedlisko zachodnie

51%
Osipowicz G., Jankowski M., Makowiecki D., Weckwerth P.
Wiadomości Archeologiczne
|
2014
|
vol. LXV
|
issue 65
149-195
EN
Ludowice 6 lies at the centre of the Chełmno Lake District (Fig. 1), on a slope of a hill with a maximum elevation of 100 m a.s.l. (Fig. 2A), on the contact zone of an outwash plain and a large kettle hole now filled by biogenic deposits (peat). The site was discovered during a surface survey made in 1985. Excavations were started here in 2009 on the behalf of the Institute of Archaeology of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń and continued until 2013 investigating a total area of 756 m2 (Fig. 2B). The prehistoric materials were found within three concentrations. The present study reports on the results of a dynamic analysis of finds recovered from one of the investigated concentrations which owing to its location is described as “western habitation” (Fig. 2B). Geomorphological and paleopedology studies show that the Mesolithic materials discovered in the site had not been subject to any major dislocation and were found resting within their original context. The area of the western habitation is covered everywhere by regular rusty soil, its main substratum loose, yellow sand. The Mesolithic finds were found resting mostly in its uppermost level. The investigation of the habitation led to the discovery and recording of the remains of 19 sunken features and a rich assemblage of finds: 4026 flint artefacts, 353 non-flint stone objects and 230 bone fragments. The horizontal distribution pattern of the flint finds revealed the existence of two partly overlapping major flint scatters (recorded as nos. 1 and 2 – Fig. 10). Also identified was a series of smaller concentrations, described as “flint concentrations”. A vast majority of the analysed material was in Baltic erratic flint, so-called variant A. Only a handful flints were in Pomeranian flint. The working the flint resource near to the habitation area was a complex and multi-stage process. Irregular pebbles were used, not more than a few centimetres in size. The first stage was typically preparation. It is documented by precores present in the assemblage (Plate 5:2–4) and a large number of cortical flakes (Table 2). When the crest was situated in the area of the future flaking face core exploitation started with the removal of crested blades and partly crested blades (Plate 2:7.6.10.11.14, 3:9.19.30–32, 8:1.2). The size of the cores discovered in the site ranges from 15 to 35 mm (Fig. 11). The prepared cores were intended mainly for the manufacture of blades (Table 4). Their vast majority are single platform forms with a cone-shaped flaking face positioned on a wider face of the core (Plate 1:5, 4:2, 5:5–10). Much more rare are narrow flaking surface atifacts (Plate 3:10, 4:1, 5:12.15, 6:1). Several bladelet forms were also present, presumably exploited using the pressure technique (Plate 1:4, 5:11, 6:2.4). It could happen that during working the flaking face of the blade core was made wider. This was done without any additional treatment or by preparing the face of the core and secondary crested blade removal (Table5, Plate 1:2, 2:5, 4:5, 8:3.4). After the deterioration of the angle of removal platform rejuvenation flakes or tablets were detached (Table, Plate 4:6, 8:5.6), alternately changes were made to the orientation of the core; in doing this an effort was made to keep the possibility of detachment of blade-sized blanks (Plate 1:6.7, 6:6–10, 7:1). Next to single platform cores and changed-orientation cores the assemblage includes a small number of double platform forms (Table, Plate 6:3.5). The blades recovered at Ludowice are a relatively uniform group. Most were struck from single platform cores (Table 4) and have a prepared butt or a punctate butt (Tab. 9). There were some microlithic blades, very small or small. Their width usually does not exceed 15 mm (Fig. 12). There is an observable substantial fragmentation of these blanks. Only 26.2% of all the blades are complete (Table 10). This most likely is a result of deliberate action (B. Knarrström 2001, p. 41; G. Osipowicz 2010, p. 211). Blades were intended mostly for the manufacture of insets and other backed forms, in which process a common method was microburin technique. The dimensions of the identified blade tools do not depart from what those typically observed in the unearthed cores and blanks (Fig. 13). During the final stages of working the blade cores were made into different flake cores which continued to be worked in the same way as cores worked for flakes from the beginning. A method of flaking rather special for the Mesolithic used on site was bipolar flaking technique. This situation is interesting because of the frequency of splinter pieces [łuszcznie], which makes the second largest group of cores (Table 3, Plate 1:3.33, 2:12, 5:13.14, 7:8–12). The assemblage includes 29 lithic artefacts recognizable as macrolithic tools (Table 12). These are mostly uncharacteristic morphological forms, i.e., stones with evidence of working or smoothing. Next to them there were hammerstones and rubbers of various size. Most of them were in quartz sandstone (Table 13). To a smaller extent use was made in the site of granitoids and – occasionally – of porphyry, quartzite and gneiss. The research yielded also an assemblage of 633 finds classified to a specific industry based on non-flint rock (Fig. 14). Most were in red quartz-porphyry, iron-rich quartz sandstone and red granitoid. The material and morphological structure of the assemblage recovered from the habitation area under analysis does not differ from that observed elsewhere in the site (Table 13; G. Osipowicz 2014, table 1). The finds assemblage from the western habitation includes 230 bone fragments. Species determination could be made for only ten of them (Table 14). They come from different animal species and in the main document exploitation of a forest environment. Also symptomatic is the presence of the remains of the European Pond Turtle, a species with a higher than average significance for Early Holocene communities which is observed already since the late Boreal Period (Pobiel 10, Góra County, Mszano 14, Brodnica County), but which found particularly favourable conditions during the period of the Atlantic optimum of the Holocene (D. Makowiecki, M. Rybacki 2001, pp. 99–100; D. Makowiecki 2003, p. 58). On the evidence of the technological and morphological analysis of the flints assemblage recovered at Ludowice it may be referred to the Komornica Culture and dated to the Atlantic Period. These conclusions were confirmed by a radiocarbon cross dating of charcoal samples taken from a hearth identified in the area of the flint scatter 1 (feature 10). The dates obtained from two different laboratories are very close: 6540±45BP (Poz-52082) and 6660±80BP (KML-1706) (Fig. 15) and place the described materials in a period immediately antedating the appearance in the Chełmno Lake District of early agrarian communities (R. Kirkowski 1994, p. 58). At the same time, they are analogous to the dating obtained for the technologically and morphologically highly similar Late Komornica materials from the not so distant Sąsieczno 4, Toruń County.
6
Publication available in full text mode
Content available

Nowe znalezisko wczesnomezolitycznej „motyki” kościanej ze wsi Borki, pow. wołomiński

51%
Osipowicz G., Orłowska J., Kuriga J., Makowiecki D.
Wiadomości Archeologiczne
|
2019
|
vol. LXX
|
issue 70
173-182
EN
The artefact under study was found in 2017 in a gravel pit located in the village of Borki, Radzymin County in Eastern Poland (Fig. 1). The object was unearthed during the industrial extraction of sand from the former bed of the Bug River and, according to the finder, was located at a depth of about 16–18 m. The tool is 21 cm long, with a width of 6 cm and a thickness of approx. 4 cm, both measured at half the length of the specimen. The blade is bevelled on one side, and the object is cream-coloured (Fig. 2). The mattock was made out of a radial bone of a large ruminant, probably aurochs or European bison (Fig. 3). The radiocarbon date of 9180± 50 BP (Poz-97932) obtained for the mattock from Borki makes it one of (if not) the oldest known objects of this kind and allows us to assume that it was made during the Preboreal Period (Fig. 5). The vast majority of objects analogous to the mattock described come from the Boreal period and are associated with Maglemosian communities. However, considering the territorial range of the Maglemosian Culture, which covered the area of the South Baltic Lakelands (J. Kabaciński 2016, 263, 264, fig. 22), and the fact that the artefact was discovered in Mazovia, it seems much more probable that it is connected with the Komornica Culture. As a result of traceological analysis, interesting technological and functional traces were observed on the item. As regards the methods employed to form the tool, the wide use of the nicking technique (Fig. 2:B, 6:D.E; É. David 2007, 39), used to shape the blade and flat surfaces of the specimen, draws particular attention. The traces of use-wear registered on the mattock (Fig. 6:L–N) indicate that it was most likely used for chopping/hewing soft wood. The tool from Borki is undoubtedly unique in form and currently has no strict analogies among other early Holocene objects made of aurochs long bones from either Poland or Europe. Radiocarbon dating places the mattock among the few Mesolithic bone artefacts from the Preboreal Period known in Poland. Traceological analyses have shown a number of interesting technological and use-wear traces on its surface, which can provide a good basis for further technological and functional studies of this type of object.
7

Early neolithic material from małe Radowiska site 27, wąbrzeźno comm., Kujawy-pomerania

51%
Osipowicz G., Siewiaryn M., Wałaszewska M., Kalinowska M.
Sprawozdania Archeologiczne
|
2013
|
vol. 65
263–291
EN
Site 27 at Małe Radowiska is located in Chełmno Land in the southern part of the Wąbrzeskie Hills. Archaeological excavations in 2007 revealed abundant material related to settlements of the Linear Pottery culture and the early phase of Late Linear Pottery culture. This paper presents the results of research on this material, including analysis of excavated features, technology, morphology and styles of ceramics and flint tools, the functions of flint products, as well as petrographic and stylistic analysis of stone remains
first rewind previous Page / 1 next fast forward last
JavaScript is turned off in your web browser. Turn it on to take full advantage of this site, then refresh the page.