송국리형 주거지 내부 흑색토층의 형성과정에 대한 일고찰 -토양 미세형태분석과 규소체분석의 통합적 접근-

Abstract

The process of spatial utilization and waste disposal practices evident in Songguk-ri type houses is among the most fascinating research topics of the Bronze Age on the Korean peninsula, and in particular, the presence of internal black-coloured deposit layers therein has drawn much scholarly attention. The 24th and 25th excavation surveys of the Songguk-ri site employed methodological approaches embraced in environmental archaeology including phytolith and soil micromorphological analyses. The surveys investigated Houses (Nos. 98, 100 & 107) where internal black-coloured deposit layers were identified. Based upon soil micromorphological analysis, it can be suggested that these inner black-coloured deposit layers appear to be formed by accumulation of carbonized materials, thus insinuating carbonization process occurred within relatively close proximities. It may also be indicative of deposition of burned and collapsed superstructures, including roofs and walls. Meanwhile, the phytolith analysis of House No. 100 suggests that a large amount of phytoliths of rice and foxtail millet were located in the upper sedimentary soil and middle black-coloured deposit layers. Crops, grasses, and lowland soils (e.g., rice paddy) containing sponge spiculates were used as building materials for structures such as walls. In addition, distribution patterns of the houses and storage pits containing visible black-coloured deposit layers, which often neighbor each other, reveal that the combusted materials flowed into the houses and nearby pits. Taken together, some houses following the discard thereof, were likely to have had their remaining structures burned when recycling was difficult after the dismantling and removal of major construction materials such as pillars. Therefore, it is estimated that the black-coloured layer was deposited inside the house after the sedimentary deposits were initially accumulated and burned to some extent in the process. Collaborative research such as this article help to reinforce assumptions and expand the interpretive potential and thus should be further encouraged.