Abstract
The article aims to present the results of the analysis of eight Neolithic ceramic figurines from the Lengyel culture settlement Těšetice-Kyjovice – Sutny, Czech Republic. We indicated the possibilities for acquiring analytical data, although destructive methods were unacceptable. We included methods neglected to date, but widely available in the common archaeological laboratory. Information on the composition of the ceramic matrix, the provenance of inclusions, the techniques used for shaping, firing, operating and discarding are all of key importance for advancing the discussion on the nterpretational potential of ceramic anthropomorphic figurines from typological and religionist discourses to analytically-focused discussions supported by hard data. Two serious factors have thus far prevented the widespread use of analytical methods: the destructive nature of the evidential analyses, which is contradictory to heritage protection and general awareness of the value and rarity of such finds. The second factor relates to the prohibitive cost of analyses when applied to a statistically robust number of samples. On the other hand, in the absence of broad mapping of measurable data, we will remain dependent on only individually published analyses of isolated samples, typically from a different culture, period or geographical territory. We believe the use of non- and semi-destructive methods offers a solution. With the aim of achieving the lowest destructive impact, we conducted an analysis of eight ceramic figurines by use-wear analysis, high resolution 3D analysis, portable-X-ray fluorescence (p-XRF) measurements and microscopy of polished sections.
Highlights
The study of Neolithic ceramic figurines in Central Europe has stalled in a formal typology that does not result in any new information about the society of their creators
We hope to bridge this gap in further research by carrying out the following: 1) sorting the figurine collection based on polished-sections, and p-XRF data processed by DA or PCA, 2) determining representatives of these groups for further analysis in-situ or with the sample removed from the fracture area to determine mineral inclusions and explore data related to provenance, 3) creating a p-XRF local base line, and 4) analysing statistically significant thin-sections of the ceramic collection from the site
All analyses carried out showed significant variability in the majority of observed parameters. These findings showed how uncertain or even misleading it would be to construct a wider social interpretation of the figurine’s role based on individual analysed samples from several sites scattered in a large area
Summary
The study of Neolithic ceramic figurines in Central Europe has stalled in a formal typology that does not result in any new information about the society of their creators. If a single sample from a site is analysed, we do not obtain any information on the important phases of the operating chain, between manufacture and final deposition: phases of use (functioning in the designated social role), discarding, primary deposition and any accidental or intentional dispersion These data are necessary to trace the deliberate processes and the established pattern of operating with figurines, which is a precondition for a deeper social analysis of this phenomenon. To this end it is necessary to analyse a representative sample, and ideally, all fragments from a particular settlement and (which is often neglected) com pare their composition, technological, operating and spatial data with contemporaneous pottery of that site. Micro-CT (μ-CT; Kreiter et al 2014; Lička – Hložek 2011), and micro-sections (Kreiter 2007; Gregerová – Hložek 2009) were mainly employed for anthropomorphic figurines in Central Europe
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