Burnt Stone Research Articles

Камни из ритуальных сосудов в скифских погребальных комплексах на левобережье Нижнего Днестра

The paper deals with 221 burnt stones from the Scythian graves found on the left bank of the Lower Dniester dated to the 5th—2nd centuries BC. All of them, if it was fixed, come from wooden or handmade ritual vessels. Stones of approximately the same size and without traces of processing were used as heating elements. In all cases, traces of burning were recorded — soot spots and characteristic fracturing. Petrological thin sections showed the mineral composition of the rocks and their structural and textural features. These are, as a rule, sandstones and, much less often, other rocks (carbonate, igneous and metamorphic). The vast majority of stones are of local origin, and only a few are imported. At present, it is obvious that the tradition of fumigating graves among the Scythians of the North-West Black Sea region appeared no later than the 5th century BC. Initially, wooden vessels served as containers for red-hot pebbles and organic balms. Starting from the 3rd century BC as vessels for the same pebbles, handmade incense cups began to be used, widely known not only in the cemeteries of the 3rd—2nd centuries BC near the Glinoe Village and in other sites of the Dniester region, but also in a number of other Scythian sites, situated westwards (Dobruja, Lower Danube region) and eastwards (Bug, Dnieper, Crimea, Azov and Don regions). Keywords: Scythians, graves, 5th—2nd centuries BC, left bank of the Lower Dniester, wooden and handmade ritual vessels, petrography, rocks

A Stone Cresset from Dulverton House, Gloucester

A COMPLETE, ALMOST CYLINDRICAL, LIMESTONE VESSEL was recovered from a post-medieval dump of soil outside Dulverton House, Pitt Street, Gloucester. The area lies between the former Infirmary and the Infirmarer’s Lodging of St Peter’s Abbey, now Gloucester Cathedral. The vessel has been identified as a cresset (lamp) based on analysis of the thick burnt residues coating its inner walls, which indicates it contained a mix of ruminant animal fats (probably tallow) with up to 50% non-ruminant (e.g. pork) fat. Stone cressets are rare finds in archaeological contexts and are usually identified by light burning on the vessel or similarities of morphology with other burnt stone vessels. This is the first example to be subjected to residue analysis, which allows us to confirm that small stone vessels were used directly as lamps and that they did not always contain an inner ceramic vessel. It is possible that the Dulverton House cresset was used in the Abbey of St Peter to illuminate access to the church for the regular night-time offices.

Burning flint: An experimental approach to study the effect of fire on flint tools

Burnt lithic artefacts are regularly discarded from microwear analyses, causing a bias in the functional interpretation of prehistoric sites. This is especially true when burnt lithics are numerous as is typically the case on Mesolithic sites in Northern Belgium. Burnt stone artefacts potentially hold information regarding the functional, spatial, and social organisation of the site. Therefore, investigating the impact of burning on lithic tools, and especially on the preservation of microwear traces is crucial. In this paper, we present the experimental approach developed to tackle this problem. Flint tool replicas were burnt in several open fire experiments, organised to reproduce conditions that were realistic to those of the original prehistoric contexts. This way, we could evaluate the impact of different fuel types on the longevity and intensity of the fire. These experiments provide essential information on the effects of heat on the physical aspects of flint artefacts. Therefore, the relation between raw material characteristics and the degree of burning is studied as well. In addition, the results of the open fire experiments could be related to the spatial distribution of burnt flints in surface hearths. The findings are interpreted on a socio-economical level in order to better understand how and why lithics could have ended up in fire.

The Moyjil site, south-west Victoria, Australia: excavation of a Last Interglacial charcoal and and burnt stone feature — is it a hearth?

Claims for a human presence in Australia beyond 60,000 years ago must have a strong evidence base associated with rigorous methodology and intense scrutiny. In this light we present excavation results for Charcoal and Burnt Stone Feature #1 (CBS1) located within coastal dune sediments at Moyjil (Point Ritchie), Warrnambool, that independent geomorphic and OSL dating indicates is of Last Interglacial age (~120,000 years ago). While on plausibility grounds the cultural status of a feature of such great antiquity in Australia is unlikely, a cultural origin for CBS1 is less easily dismissed if assessed with an age-independent methodology. A broad range of macroscale discrimination criteria has been used to assess whether CBS1 is either a cultural hearth or a natural feature such as a burnt tree stump. On balance, evidence marginally supports a cultural origin over a natural origin. However, the absence of associated stone artefacts and faunal remains and the presence of burnt root wood precludes definitive statements on the cultural status of the feature. Our case study is methodologically instructivein terms of the potential complexities and issues of equifinality involved in the archaeological identification of ancient hearths.

Quantifying the Use of Stones in the Stone Age Fireplaces of Estonia

Akmenų naudojimo Estijos akmens amžiaus ugniavietėse nustatymasUgniavietės ir su jais susiję degę akmenys yra įprastos struktūros, randamos akmens amžiaus gyvenvietėse. Nors informacija apie šiuos objektus pateikiama archeologinėse ataskaitose ir publikacijose, iki šiol nebuvo specialaus jiems skirto tyrimo. Šio straipsnio tikslas yra užpildyti šią spragą ir patikrinti hipotezę, kad ugniaviečių struktūriniai bruožai atskleidžia informaciją apie pragyvenimo gyvenvietėse modelį. Šioje studijoje remiamasi Estijos akmens amžiaus ugniaviečių duomenų baze, kuri sudaryta iš visų prieinamų kasinėtų objektų. Duomenų bazėje yra 167 ugniavietės ir kiekybiniai duomenys apie akmenis jose. Duomenų analizė atskleidė, kad akmenų naudojimas ugniavietėse laikui bėgant smarkiai keitėsi. Daugumoje mezolito laikotarpio ugniaviečių akmenų yra, o neolito laikotarpio ugniavietėse akmenys tapo retenybe. Galima daryti išvadą, kad akmenų naudojimas ugniavietėse susijęs su gyvenviečių ekonomika ir pokyčiai laikui bėgant atspindi bendros gyvenimo strategijos pokyčius.

Un village chasséen dans le Sud de la France: Cazan «le Clos du Moulin», Vernègues (Bouches-du-Rhône)

Une fouille réalisée en 2013 à Cazan «le Clos du Moulin » Vernègues (Bouches-du Rhône) a permis de mettre en évidence une importante occupation du Chasséen récent en fond de vallon. Aucun niveau de sol n’a été retrouvé, mais plus de 600 structures en creux permettent de documenter un des premiers sites d’habitat structuré de cette période dans le Sud de la France. Les attributions chronologiques reposent sur huit datations au 14C comprises en 4100 et 3800 avant notre ère et sur un abondant mobilier archéologique qui concorde avec l’attribution à une étape récente du Chasséen. Le gisement livre plusieurs fosses, des puits et une concentration de structures à pierres chauffées, mais aussi et surtout de nombreux trous de poteau et fosses d’implantation qui permettent de restituer les plans d’environ quinze bâtiments. Ces derniers correspondent notamment à dix édifices standards ; trois ensembles architecturaux plus imposants s’insèrent au sein de cette organisation et traduisent sans doute la présence d’édifices socialement plus valorisés. L’analyse du mobilier archéologique ne permet pas de déterminer assurément de chronologies relatives au sein de ces structures et aménagements, mais elle met en évidence plusieurs zones d’activités privilégiées en particulier pour le travail du silex et de l’obsidienne. Ces activités signent une occupation domestique a priori pérenne au sein d’un paysage largement anthropisé et maitrisé d’après les observations anthracologiques et malacologiques. L’ensemble de ces résultats tend à prouver l’attachement des populations chasséennes à ce territoire où elles se sont installées et ont vécues. Ce site permet donc enfin d’approcher pleinement la notion de village pour le Chasséen récent.

Kultberget på Stora Holm

Tuve 46 was a complex monument, a hillock which people have taken the trouble to cover with stones. Among the stones were graves, mounds of burnt stones, a special mound of stones at the highest point, a cult building and on one side of the hillock were post-holes, hearths, cooking-pits and the like. On the hillock were also several concentrations of flint flakes and a few broken or unfinished flint tools. The site has mainly been used during two periods of time, one is the late Neolithic, the other is the Bronze Ageand Early Iron Age.
 The concentrations of flint flakes are interpreted as residuals of tool manufacturing. It seems most of them were manufactured elsewhere, though. Only one or two were made at the place where the flints were found. The stone-covered hillock with its different constructions is interpreted as a cult site with a possible ‘Harg’ at the top.

Late Bronze Age Pottery Production: Evidence from a 12th–11th century calbcSettlement at Tinney's Lane, Sherborne, Dorset

Excavations at Tinney's Lane, Sherborne in 2002 uncovered extensive evidence for Late Bronze Age settlement and pottery production, dating from a short time period probably within the 12th or 11th century calbc. Well-preserved deposits of burnt stone, broken vessels, and burnt sherds, together with resulting debris redeposited in associated pits, were accompanied by a series of post-hole structures interpreted as round-houses and four-post settings. Environmental evidence in the form of charcoal, charred plant remains, and molluscs has provided important information concerning sources of fuel and water for pottery production as well as allowing a reconstruction of the local vegetation. Finds of fired clay, metal, stone, shale, flint, and bone include items from distant sources, informing topics such as site status and exchange, and include many categories of tools and equipment that would have been used within the pottery-making processes. Analysis of the spatial distribution of these finds amongst the structures and surviving layers of burning has allowed the definition of a series of industrial activity areas, each comprising one or more round-houses, a four-post structure, bonfire bases or pits used for firing, and other pits with specific related functions. Altogether the site has provided some of the best evidence for pottery production within prehistoric Britain.

L’enceinte Michelsberg de Crécy-sur-Serre (Aisne, France). Présentation préliminaire

The site is located on a low plateau next to the river Serre, a tributary of the Oise. The ditch, only feature dating from middle Neolithic II, is 850 metres long and delineates three sides of a sub-rectangular area of about fifteen hectares. It is formed by a succession of segments of very variable length. The eastern end of the ditch coincides with a locally marked escarpment, while there is no topographic break between the western end and the alluvial zone. The section and dimensions of the ditch show considerable variation, rendering unlikely the presence of a regular bank along the whole length of the enclosure. No traces of an internal palissade were preserved. Various domestic features were observed in the ditch fill, including an oven, hearths and a feature with burnt stones. Most finds come from the western part. As well as classic domestic waste, there are deposits which seem to reflect more symbolic behaviour. The ceramic typology offers numerous comparisons with the early Michelsberg sites of the Aisne and Vesle valleys, further to the south. Some vessels are of Chasséen inspiration and are more comparable with finds from ditched sites in the Oise, defining the early northern Chasséen. However, use of moss and burnt flint as pottery temper indicates a technological connection with Belgium and the Nord -Pas-de-Calais region. The flint industry includes blades, which is a characteristic of Michelsberg.

Using burnt stone slurry in mortar mixes

The accumulation of stone slurry waste resulting from quarries forms a serious environmental problem in many countries around the globe. The use of Jordanian burnt stone slurry (BSS) waste in concrete mixtures had been investigated throughout this study. The properties that were studied include setting time, workability, compressive and flexural strength, alkali-silica reaction, and micro-structure of mortar. The BSS was used as a partial replacement of cement and sand with different replacement percentages including 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%. Mortar mixes have a mix proportion of 1:3:0.7 by weight for cement, sand and water, respectively. Test results showed that BSS waste can be used in concrete mixtures to reduce the environmental pollution resulting from the accumulations of BSS waste. The setting time and workability decreased with the increase of BSS content. On the other hand, the compressive and flexural strength of mortar increased with the increase of BSS content under both moist and autoclaving curing. The autoclaved BSS concrete showed higher durability to alkali-silica reaction damage compared to the moist cured BSS concrete. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that BSS mortar is denser and have more homogeneous micro-structure compared to plain mortar.

Developments in optically stimulated luminescence age control for geoarchaeological sediments and hearths in western New South Wales, Australia

Research conducted by the Western New South Wales Archaeology Program (WNSWAP) provides the opportunity to assess the reliability of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of late Pleistocene and Holocene fluvial sediments and burnt stone samples from arid zone geoarchaeological contexts. A large number of radiocarbon age determinations of charcoal preserved in heat retainer hearths provides independent chronological control at these contexts. We describe a rapid OSL methodology for dating burnt hearth stones to complement previously applied radiocarbon methods, which we have tested using 37 samples from hearths with radiocarbon determinations. We propose a geoarchaeological model in which these hearths were constructed by people whose activity took place on an archaeological surface, formed by the earlier deposition of fluvial sediments. Here we demonstrate the veracity of this model by dating sediments lying stratigraphically below the hearths, and use the radiocarbon age control and chronological consistency to assess the accuracy and reliability of both small aliquot and single grain single aliquot regenerative-dose (SAR) OSL dating. While small aliquot age estimates are in most cases in agreement with independent control, the single grain determinations using a finite mixture model (FMM) appear to provide improved chronological resolution. Using single grains, we note some problems in the application of the FMM and in the dating of young samples in the range of 1–100 years. As many samples may have resided close to the surface since deposition, we have developed a mathematical function to describe gamma and cosmic dose rate contributions at burial depths down to 40 cm. These OSL age estimates allow us to reject the model of intensification of human activity as responsible for the observed pattern of archaeological radiocarbon determinations in this part of the Australian arid zone.

Early pyrotechnology in the Near East: Experimental lime‐plaster production at the Pre‐Pottery Neolithic B site of Kfar HaHoresh, Israel

AbstractA characteristic hallmark of the Pre‐Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) in the southern Levant was the extensive use of lime plaster for architectural and other purposes. Yet no obvious kilns have been identified in archaeological contexts. Here we present details of an experimental pit‐kiln modeling lime‐plaster production based on observed burnt stone accumulations in pits at the PPNB site of Kfar HaHoresh in the lower Galilee. The experimental kiln was loaded in layers with ∼500 kg of limestone (pebbles and stones) and ∼1000 kg of fuel (branches and dung). Fired for 24 hours, and reaching a maximum 870°C, the kiln yielded almost 250 kg of quicklime (calcium oxide, CaO). Micromorphological samples, general observations, and scaled plan view drawings made immediately following and nine years after ignition demonstrate that the original shape of the kiln and residual quicklime within and around it rapidly dissipated through bioturbation, trampling by animals, erosion, rain, and exposure to the elements. This could account for the seeming absence of kilns within sites, although they were probably located close to where lime‐plaster was applied, given the unstable nature and toxic effects of handling quicklime. Calculations of the manpower and fuel involved indicate that PPNB lime‐plaster production may have been less labor intensive and less detrimental to the environment than previously portrayed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Human Burial Evidence from Hattab II Cave and the Question of Continuity in Late Pleistocene–Holocene Mortuary Practices in Northwest Africa

Archaeological excavations in 2002–3 at Hattab II Cave in northwestern Morocco revealed an undisturbed Late Palaeolithic Iberomaurusian human burial. This is the first Iberomaurusian inhumation discovered in the region. The skeleton is probably that of a male aged between 25 and 30 years. The individual shows a characteristic absence of the central upper incisors reported in other Iberomaurusian burials. Accompanying the burial are a stone core and a number of grave goods including bone points, a marine gastropod and a gazelle horn core. Thermoluminescence dating of a burnt stone artefact in association with the burial has provided an age of 8900?1100 bp. This is one of the youngest ages reported for the Iberomaurusian and raises questions about persistence of hunter-gatherer societies in the Maghreb and the potential for continuity in burial practices with the earliest Neolithic.

FIFTY YEARS OF LUMINESCENCE DATING*

Luminescence techniques for dating both heated materials (e.g., pottery and burnt stone) and sediments have gone through three phases in the past 50 years. The first 22 years, from 1957 to 1979, were devoted to thermoluminescence (TL) techniques applied to heated material. In the next six years, from 1979 to 1985, it was found that TL dating could be applied to sediments. However, the TL signals of both quartz and feldspar grains observed for modern sediments were small, but were not zero, thus making them useful only for older sediments. A new luminescence signal that was totally zeroed by exposure to sunlight for a relatively short period of time, a few hours or less, was found; this led to the development of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating techniques in 1985. Further developments have continued to the present day. Within the past 22 years, 1999 was also a year with major developments. A reliable procedure for single aliquots of quartz that have a rapidly bleached (‘fast’) OSL component was formalized and an instrument that allowed rapid measurement of equivalent doses for single grains was constructed. These developments have led to OSL becoming a major dating tool in Quaternary geology, at least for the past 100 000 years, and in archaeology, particularly as related to the dispersal of modern humans.

Excavation of an early medieval settlement and other sites at Dromthacker, Tralee, Co. Kerry

This report presents the results of excavations of a ringfort, an enclosure and two fulachtaifia (popularly known as fulachta fiadh). Pre-enclosure settlement on the ringfort site comprised an oval-shaped house dating to the early sixth-early seventh century period. An enclosing bank and ditch were subsequently constructed and two structures of late sixth-early seventh century were associated with the ringfort phase. The ringfort ditch also appears to have become redundant and was partly back-filled in antiquity. The surviving material culture was poor although there was evidence for iron-working on the site. The enclosure was large and surrounded by a deep ditch that was back-filled in antiquity, and the upper levels were infilled in modern times. There was no evidence for the date or function of the site and it may be early medieval or earlier in date. Modern features to the north included four lime-kilns of unusual morphology. Two spreads of burnt stone were excavated and one site had the remains of a trough and is dated to the early Bronze Age.

Excavation of an early medieval settlement and other sites at Dromthacker, Tralee, Co. Kerry

This report presents the results of excavations of a ringfort, an enclosure and two fulachtaifia (popularly known as fulachta fiadh). Pre-enclosure settlement on the ringfort site comprised an oval-shaped house dating to the early sixth-early seventh century period. An enclosing bank and ditch were subsequently constructed and two structures of late sixth-early seventh century were associated with the ringfort phase. The ringfort ditch also appears to have become redundant and was partly back-filled in antiquity. The surviving material culture was poor although there was evidence for iron-working on the site. The enclosure was large and surrounded by a deep ditch that was back-filled in antiquity, and the upper levels were infilled in modern times. There was no evidence for the date or function of the site and it may be early medieval or earlier in date. Modern features to the north included four lime-kilns of unusual morphology. Two spreads of burnt stone were excavated and one site had the remains of a trough and is dated to the early Bronze Age.

Excavation of a burnt mound at Meur, Sanday, Orkney

In early 2005 a cluster of orthostat stones was exposed by coastal erosion at Meur, Sanday, Orkney. The excavation revealed a stone trough within the centre of an open space defined by walls. It was associated with at least one compartment and a secondary corbelled cistern with an overflow drain and was surrounded by a mound of dark soil and burnt stones. This burnt mound structure, comparable with other burnt mounds in the Northern Isles, was occupied at some time between the late 2 millennium and the mid 1 millennium BC. The evidence from Meur and its comparison with evidence from elsewhere strongly indicates cooking as the primary function of this burnt mound. It is proposed that such cooking took the form of communal feasts that served to optimise the limited resources of the island's land holdings and so maintain social cohesion. This accords with evidence from elsewhere on Sanday for social and economic stability throughout this period.

Excavation of a burnt mound at Meur, Sanday, Orkney

In early 2005 a cluster of orthostat stones was exposed by coastal erosion at Meur, Sanday, Orkney. The excavation revealed a stone trough within the centre of an open space defined by walls. It was associated with at least one compartment and a secondary corbelled cistern with an overflow drain and was surrounded by a mound of dark soil and burnt stones. This burnt mound structure, comparable with other burnt mounds in the Northern Isles, was occupied at some time between the late 2[Formula: see text] millennium and the mid 1[Formula: see text] millennium BC. The evidence from Meur and its comparison with evidence from elsewhere strongly indicates cooking as the primary function of this burnt mound. It is proposed that such cooking took the form of communal feasts that served to optimise the limited resources of the island's land holdings and so maintain social cohesion. This accords with evidence from elsewhere on Sanday for social and economic stability throughout this period.

Un habitat de la fin du Mésolithique dans le Centre-Ouest de la France : L’Essart à Poitiers (Vienne)

The excavation of L’Essart (Poitiers) makes it possible for the first time in the west of France to understand a very particular habitat, along a river and very much marked by the firing activities. The substrate of the site assigns the shape of a dome surrounded to the east by the Clain River, to the west by a channel. Abundant vestiges allotted to the recent Neolithic lay in the lower half of a layer of brown silts. Immediately subjacent, a level of ten centimetres, located at the top of orange silts, contained burnt stones structures: 39 hearths (circular area posed flat approximately one meter of diameter) and 14 dismantled hearths. It is dated from the final Mesolithic by the extremely abundant lithic material discovered in the layer. Lithic industry is carried out in a preferential way on bajocians flints available on the slope (62%) and oxfordians flints (8%) known to approximately two kilometres. The principal characters of this industry are a frontal exploitation of core, a production of prismatic blades, many notches of Montbani type on the blades, asymmetrical trapezoids with concave truncations (of which Trapezoids of Payré), right-angled trapezoids with concave truncations, scalene triangles with flat retouches and arrows of Montclus. The analogies with Retzian (Vendée and Loire-Atlantique) are certainly numerous, but it is rather about a relationship in a vaster unit that remains to define. The non anecdotic presence of the arrows of Montclus involves the discussion on the question of the zones of contacts between Neolithic and Mesolithic of the second half of the VI th millenium BC.

Optical dating of pottery, burnt stones, and sediments from selected Quebec archaeological sites

Recent developments in luminescence technologies applied to sediment dating is used to better constrain the age of archaeological events. Suitable geoarchaeological material includes sediments and fired objects, such as pottery and burnt stones. The assessment of archaeological ages illustrated here are based on single aliquot regeneration (SAR), with both infrared and blue stimulation on the same fine-grained aliquot being detected. These new approaches in optical dating were tested on polymineralic extracts of an Archaic burnt stone, a Woodland ceramic, and a soil containing Plano artefacts. The results demonstrate that whether or not these sites had yielded datable radiocarbon material, luminescence would have provided a reliable chronological framework given that the appropriate procedures to correct anomalous fading are incorporated.