Linear Band Pottery Research Articles

Cataloguing and mapping the Linear Band Pottery sites in Ukraine

Linearbandkeramik (LBK) is the most well-studied Neolithic culture in Central Europe. However, the easternmost part of its area is less known to European researchers. Addressing this gap, information on 175 reliable and 95 questionable LBK sites and six sub-Neolithic sites with LBK pottery in Ukraine has been collected, verified, and systematized. The precise mapping of these sites provided in this paper allows future analysis of their spatial distribution. Accurate contouring of the eastern boundary of the LBK area has revealed the exploitation and exchange of flint, graphite, and salt as a possible driving force of the first farmers’ mobility in the region.

On the issue of functional use of pics during the Early Neolithic: a case study from the LBK site in Wólka Wojnowska (S Poland)

Picks are extremely rare artefacts associated with flint inventories of the Linear Band Pottery culture (hereinafter: LBK). Previously, only three such artefacts attributed to this culture have been found in the drainage basins of the Vistula and Oder Rivers. The contexts of discovery of picks dated to slightly later times indicated that they should be linked with mining activities of early agricultural societies. The presented collection from Wólka Wojnowska is one of the most numerous typological series of LBK picks found at a single site within the entire range of the LBK. The results of traceological and chemical SEM-EDX analyses of residues preserved on their surfaces indicate that these tools were used in processing hematite in order to produce ochre. The obtained data considerably broaden the scope of the functions of picks used during the Early Neolithic and allow us to question the interpretation that they were only employed in mining for siliceous materials.

STYLISTIC CHANGES IN THE POTTERY PRODUCTION OF THE LINEAR POTTERY CULTURE IN THE LOWER ODRA REGION IN THE LIGHT OF MOST RECENT STUDIES

This article is the first contribution to a multi-faceted study of the origins of food production in the lower Odra region. Since 2004, the author has conducted microregional surveys to identify Stone Age settlements in the studied region. Later, starting from 2015, a number of settlements of the Band Pottery horizon in the microregion have been investigated (Linear Band Pottery, Stroke-Ornamented Pottery Culture, and Rössen Culture), as well as the roundel at Nowe Objezierze. As of 2018, crucial research is taking place in a central settlement (7/10 ha) of the Linear Pottery Culture (LBK) in Mierzyn 5: PAR 30-04/106, where 20,000 artefacts, 25 homesteads, and 13 identified post house structures were found. The author's recent studies demonstrate the lower Odra region to be crucial for understanding stylistic changes in the Early Neolithic. The results of recent research in the lower Odra region, conducted as microregional studies, provide numerous and valuable assemblages reflecting the overall LBK settlement development in the region. Already in the first phase of the work with ceramic materials, it became clear that there was a need to create a periodisation system that would take into account the specifics of the region and the archaeological material. As a result, it is proposed that the division of Phase II into the Subphases A and B is not sufficient, thus making it necessary to distinguish new units within Phase III. At the same time, the Skoroszowice-type pottery seems to have been used in the lower Odra region. Currently, it is considered very likely that groups of people continued to exist in the Proto- Stroke-Ornamented Pottery Culture Horizon.

Beside or by turn? The Buh-Dnister foragers and the Linear Band Pottery farmers on the Southern Buh River (Ukraine)

For a long time, finds of the Linear Band Pottery culture (LBK) on the Southern Buh numbered only two bowls from the Buh-Dnister culture site of Bazkiv Ostriv. After the recent discovery of a few more vessels and four stationary LBK settlements, some scholars have assumed the Neolithic incomers regularly inhabited the most of the region. However new direct AMS dates on the Buh-Dnister pottery have shown the existence of the indigenous hunter-gatherers here from 5300 to 5000 BC. Therefore, today, the cluster of four sites is the only verified area that was settled by the early farmers near the town of Zavallia. The occurrence of the settlements at very this place is explained by the fertile local soil and the desire of the inhabitants to control the huge deposit of graphite, which was a centre of an extensive exchange network for the North-Pontic indigenous groups. This could have given the local LBK community significant social prestige through the active production and exchange of valuable goods.

Addressing the issue of the Early Neolithic pottery exchange through a combined petrographic and geochemical approach: a case study on LBK ware from Dzielnica (Upper Silesia, southern Poland)

The article presents the results of petrographic and geochemical analyses on Linear Band Pottery culture (LBK) ceramic materials from the Dzielnica site (Upper Silesia, southern Poland). The study area, situated in the northern foreland of the Moravian Gate, can be considered a melting pot for various cultural influences. This peculiar location resulted in multidirectional entanglements of the Early Neolithic inhabitants of the site. The aim of the present study is to elucidate the importance of pottery exchange in these foreign connections. The sherds ornamented in Alfold styles prove to be consistent with local geochemical and petrographic signature and, therefore, may be regarded as a result of implementation of exogenous decorative patterns. On the other hand, at least some of the vessels decorated in Sarka style should be considered to have been produced elsewhere. The archaeometric results indicate that the long-distance exchange of pottery was probably largely confined to occasional importation of vessels from the adjacent areas of Lower Silesia and northern Moravia. In addition, it may be tentatively suggested that some mundane, stylistically inconspicuous ceramics could have been passed through intra-regional circulation within the Upper Odra River basin.

NEW RESULTS OF DIRECT RADIOCARBON AMS DATING OF THE POTTERY FROM THE BUH-DNISTER SUB-NEOLITHIC СULTURE

Traditional ideas about the origin of the Buh-Dnister Culture (BDC) and its synchronisation with the Neolithic cultures of the Danube-Carpathian region were questioned by series of radiocarbon dates measured on bones at the Kyiv laboratory in the 1998—2004. To start addressing this problem, 11 AMS dates on organic inclusions in the ceramic paste and charred residues on the surface of vessels were obtained at the Tokyo University laboratory. The set of new dates has given a wide scatter of their values within the entire period outlined by the previous BDC dates. Moreover, the two results of the second quarter of the 7th millennium BC for the Hlynske 1 and Bazkiv Ostriv site are beyond it and may potentially be the oldest dates of the culture. However, analysis of the samples in terms of carbon content, their susceptibility to the influence of the freshwater reservoir effect, correspondence to the stratigraphy of the sites and typology of materials detected only six more credible dates. Their order on the timeline coincides with generally accepted ideas about the sequence of existence of the different BDC pottery types. The youngest is the vessel of the Savran type from Shumyliv-Cherniatka has yielded two dates falling into the range of 4723—4491 cal BC, when the Trypillia culture bearers already populat the region. Two vessels of the Samchyntsi type from Bazkiv Ostriv yield three dates within the range of 5288—4847 cal BC, which corresponds to their finding next to fragments of fine «music-note» bowls of the Linear Band Pottery Culture. The Skybyntsi type vessel from Bazkiv Ostriv yield the oldest plausible date of 5621—5514 cal BC, which corresponds to the age of the Criş monuments in Moldova. Unfortunately, the new dates did not shed light on the issues of the time and direction of the first pottery spreading in the region. Thus, this needs further research including reliably direct radiocarbon dating on pottery.

The first vs. second stage of neolithisation in Polish territories (to say nothing of the third?)

The origins of the Neolithic in Polish territories are associated with migrations of groups of the Linear Band Pottery culture (LBK) after the mid-6th millennium BC. Communities of this culture only settled in enclaves distinguished by ecological conditions favourable to farming (‘LBK neolithisation’). This situation persisted into the 5th millennium BC, when these enclaves were inhabited by post-Linear groups. This state of affairs changed from c. 4000 BC onwards due to the formation and spectacular territorial expansion of the Funnel Beaker culture (TRB). In the territories under consideration this expansion covered the areas previously inhabited by both hunter-gatherers (‘TRB neolithisation’) and farmers. Some of the Late Mesolithic hunter-gatherers did not accept TRB patterns. They successfully carried on their traditional lifestyle until the Early Bronze Age although some changes in their material culture are visible (including ‘ceramisation’).

The first vs. second stage of neolithisation in Polish territories (to say nothing of the third?)

The origins of the Neolithic in Polish territories are associated with migrations of groups of the Linear Band Pottery culture (LBK) after the mid-6th millennium BC. Communities of this culture only settled in enclaves distinguished by ecological conditions favourable to farming (‘LBK neolithisation’). This situation persisted into the 5th millennium BC, when these enclaves were inhabited by post-Linear groups. This state of affairs changed from c. 4000 BC onwards due to the formation and spectacular territorial expansion of the Funnel Beaker culture (TRB). In the territories under consideration this expansion covered the areas previously inhabited by both hunter-gatherers (‘TRB neolithisation’) and farmers. Some of the Late Mesolithic hunter-gatherers did not accept TRB patterns. They successfully carried on their traditional lifestyle until the Early Bronze Age although some changes in their material culture are visible (including ‘ceramisation’).

Чехословацький період археології Закарпаття

The paper is devoted to the results of studies of ancient history on the territory of contemporary Transcarpathian province of Ukraine during the period of it being a part of Czechoslovakia (1919–1939). It was an important stage of establishment of Transcarpathian archaeological science which began its development in the middle of the 19th century from simple collecting of antiquities. In 1929 a county museum was opened in Mukachevo which became an important centre of collection, systematization, and museumification of local artifacts. During that period the ancient history of the region was studied by Czechoslovak archaeologists from the Institute of Archaeology of Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences. Among them, one should name J. Bem, J. Skutil, and J. Eisner. They carried out excavations of archaeological artifacts of the region from different epochs: Paleolithic, Neolithic, Copper and Bronze Ages, Early Iron Age. Due to the efforts of J. Bem collection of Transcarpathian antiquities was systematized, chronology and cultural attribution of numerous material findings were determined. He participated in the excavations at Neolithic and Eneolithic settlements in Nevetlenfolu (Vynohradiv district) and Diyda (Berehovo district) as well as Mala Hora in Mukachevo. Results of the studies enable one to conclude that in the Neolithic epoch this territory was within the area where the culture of linear band pottery was spread. Bearers of this culture practised mattock arable farming, cattle breeding, worshipped the foremother woman. The Stone Age artifacts on the territory of the region were studied by J. Skutil. In the neighbourhood of Berehovo (Mala Hora) and Mukachevo (Kamyanka and Halish hills), he examined a number of Paleolithic locations where he collected several dozens of chalcedony and quartzite objects. They are attributed to the middle and late Paleolithic Age. Local antiquities were also studied by local amateur archaeologists, J. Jankovich, Zatloukal brothers, P. Sova. Having acquired necessary knowledge and recommendations from the Czechoslovak researchers for field studies and documentation of the materials found, they joined the studies of artifacts of an extensive time span – from the Stone Age till Early Mediaeval period. J. Jankovich with the participation of J. Bem performed excavations at a burial mound of the early Iron Age in the village of Kushtanovytsia (Mukachevo district). Two ways of the location of cremation remnants in urns under the mound were documented: at the old level and below it. In 1931 he began the investigation of Slavic mound necropolis in Cherveniovo (Mukachevo district). The excavations revealed cremation burial sites with remnants positioned in urns at the old level or gathered in clusters. The Zatloukal brothers carried out excavations of a ground cremation necropolis in Stanovo (Mukachevo district). The remnants were buried in shallow pits without any external signs and were accompanied by two-three bowls filled with food or favourite things of the decedent. In literature, they are referred to as the Northern-Tysa urn burials of the Late Bronze Age. Key words: settlement, Transcarpathia, burial tomb, Czechoslovakian period.

Pierwsi rolnicy na ziemi kociewskiej - refleksja z najnowszych odkryć archeologicznych

The article is aimed at presentation of a newly discovered Linear Band Pottery settlement at Kościelna Jania, Smętowo Graniczne commune. The site was excavated during rescue works on the Al highway. It has been the largest settlement o f this culture in the Starogard Lake District explored to date. In 21 excavated features, mainly settlement pits, numerous pottery sherds and animal bones (post-consumption remains) were found. Pottery technology and decoration make possible to link these materials with the Note phase and date them back to 430CM1000 be.

Przemiany społeczno-kulturowe w okresie formowania się państwa piastowskiego w Wielkopolsce północno-zachodniej na podstawie materiałów archeologicznych z Santoka i Międzyrzecza

The middle and upper Obra river basin is an environmentally unique area. This large area, located in the vicinity of black soil sheets, is characterized by very favorable conditions for human occupation. The first Neolithic settlements are related to the Linear Band Pottery culture. The most commonly represented Neolithic societies belong to the Funnel Beaker Culture. During the Late Neolithic, the area was less intensively occupied. This process may be related to climate changes. The Early Bronze Age was represented in the middle Obra river basin by the Kościan group of the Unetice culture – a local community with the barrow cemetery in Łęki Małe and the fortified settlement in Bruszczewo. A continuous occupation of this area from the Early Neolithic Age to the Early Bronze Age has been proved.

«Neolithic Revolution» in Archaeology of Ukraine at the Beginning of the 21st Century

Due to a significant replenishment of the sources at the beginning of the 21stcentury, there was a change of conceptions on the Neolithization process on the territory of Ukraine. The south-east version of neolithization of Ukraine, which was well-known at the second half of the 20th century with the name of «eastern stock breeding impulse», was not confirmed. On the other hand, there are numerous archaeological, palaeozoological and palaeobotanic data in behalf of south-western variant of neolithization of Ukraine. Ukraine, and first of all the Dnipro right bank territory, switched to the Neolithic at the end of the 6th - 5th millennia BC (cal.), the way the whole Central Europe did. It happened in the mode of «balkanization» due to the four main waves of the Neolithic farmers-colonists from the Balkans and the Danube River region: 1) Hrebenyky culture (the second half of the 7th millennium BC); 2) Criș (the first half of the 6th millennium BC); 3) Linear Pottery culture (second half of the 6th millennium BC); 4) Cucuteni-Trypillia (the 5th millennium BC). As in Central Europe, on territory of Ukraine, there were two types of the Neolithic: north-eastern woodland and south-western agriculture and cattle breeding ones. To the south-west province of the Neolithic in Ukraine included farmers and cattle breeders of the Criș, Linear Pottery, and Cucuteni-Trypillia cultures, genetically related to the Neolithic of the Balkans and the Danube region. The woodland Neolithic of the region covers the cultures of indigenous hunters and fishers, who were already acquainted with clay ware, but did not yet own the skills of productive economy. They were the Dnipro-Donetsk, Pit-Comb Ware, Volynian, Surska, Donetsk, and Tash-Air cultures. The earliest in Ukraine reliable traces of substantiated economy are observed in the Körös culture materials of Zakarpattia region (first part of the 6th millennium BC (cal.)) and the Linear Pottery culture of Volyn and Dnister region (second half of the 6th millennium BC (cal.)). Finally, in the 5th millennium BC, the Cucuteni-Trypillia culture population arriving from the south-west to Neolithic Ukraine completely neolithizated the Right-Bank forest-steppe region from the Carpathians to the Dnipro River. The Buh-Dnister culture (BDC) developed under the Criș culture’s influence from Moldova territory between the Dnister and the South Buh Rivers in the middle of the 6th millennium BC (cal.). Pressed by the new migration waves of the farmers from the Danube region (Linear Band Pottery and Cucuteni-Trypillia), the BDC bearers moved aside in the north-east direction in Kyiv and Cherkasy Dnipro regions, where the Dnipro-Donets culture appeared at the end of the 6thmillennium BC (cal.). The historical value of the Trypillia culture for the Ukrainian prehistory is in final victory of production economy on the Dnipro’s right bank first, and later, on the south of Left-Bank Ukraine. In fact, the population of the Black Sea steppe region, the Sea of Azov, and Donbas regions obtained the first skills of cattle breeding and agriculture from the Trypillians in the 5th and the 4th millennia BC (cal.). These Neolithic innovations from Trypillia to the steppe Eneolithic of the Black and Azov Seas regions were provided by so called «steppe Trypillia», known by the burials of Zhyvotyliv-Vovcha type. Consequently, the Neolithic of Ukraine is not an exception from the whole-European context. Right-Bank Ukraine was neolithizated synchronously with Central Europe as a result of colonization by the oldest farmers-colonists from the Danube region in the 6th-5th millennia BC (cal.). While in the 5th-4th millennia BC, Neolithic innovations from forest-steppe of Right-Bank Ukraine spread northward to Polissia and to the east and south-east of Ukraine. At the beginning of the 21st century, there was a change of conceptions of neolithization of the region in archaeology of Ukraine. The old south-west conception was replaced by the south-western one which corresponds to a general-European vision of the Neolithic revolution in Central Europe by its colonization in the 7th-5th millennia BC by the Neolithic farmers from the Balkans through the Danube region

The second stage of Neolithisation and para-Neolithic in the southern Baltic

The origins of the Neolithic, understood as a phenomenon with food economy dependent on agriculture, in east-central Europe are associated with the appearance of communities reflected by the Linear Band Pottery culture (LBK) in ca. 5500 BC. These communities settled only small enclaves, distinguished by ecological conditions favourable to farming. Situation of this kind persisted in the 5th millennium BC, when territories under discussion were inhabited by post-Linear groups. Consequently, at that time, hunter-gatherers still occupied ca. 70% of these territories. Such situation changed from 4200/4100 BC onwards, due to the formation and spectacular territorial expansion of the Funnel Beaker culture (TRB). This expansion covered both the areas previously inhabited by hunter-gatherers and farmers. Around 3500 BC Neolithic formation encompassed virtually the whole of this part of Central Europe. Parallel to the first and second Neolithisations, independent processes of ceramisation of the Late Mesolithic communities proceeded. While in the 5th millennium BC they were fairly selective, in the 4th millennium BC they were quite intensive. A new cultural model formed here which might be called para-Neolithic. Archaeological data indicate contacts between TRB and para-Neolithic communities. The latter phenomena (mainly the Neman culture) show also a significant territorial development.

P-ed-XRF-geochemical signatures of a 7300 year old Linear Band Pottery house ditch fill at Vráble-Ve'lké Lehemby, Slovakia - House inhabitation and post-depositional processes

Abstract Over the past decades multi-element analyses have become increasingly important for archaeological and geoarchaeological research. In particular the recent expansion in availability of portable ed-XRF (p-ed-XRF) devices has allowed for the fast acquisition of large data sets. In the presented paper, we evaluate the quantitative measurement capability of a p-ed-XRF device through comparison with wd-XRF. Sampling, drying, and homogenization (sieving In a case study, we measured the elemental contents of the archaeo-sediment-sequence fill of a trench of a ca. 7300 year old Linear Pottery house at the site of Vrable-Ve'lke Lehemby, in southeastern -Slovakia. Based on a model applied at the nearby Bronze Age settlement mound of Fidvar, the P content of the archaeo-sediment was considered as a proxy of palaeo-demography. However, the measured P contents were much too small to reflect the metabolism of a reasonable number of inhabitants. Therefore, in addition to the possibilities of shorter than expected duration of house occupation and incomplete garbage deposition within the ditches, the post-depositional settlement history is considered in detail. Furthermore, bio-cycling by plants during different subsequent phases of Holocene landscape development (forested, agricultural field use) has not been considered extensively in interpretations of the archaeological record so far, but might have had a considerable influence on the shallow buried archaeological record. A reconsideration of the interpretation of the geochemical record from a nearby Bronze Age site (Fidvar) is thus suggested.

Linear Band Pottery Culture (LBK) lithic industry from Apc

The general inventory of the chipped stone artefacts coming from the LBK features at Apc indicates that a specific, small scale, local lithic production was conducted on-site. Majority of used raw materials are limnoquartzites (nearly 70%) originating mainly from the Mátra and Cserhát Mountains. The use of rather poor quality local raw materials influenced the technique of working raw materials, which was employed throughout the period of the functioning of LBK settlements at Apc. As a consequence, most tools were made on flakes. At the same time, as early as the oldest phase a limited supply of blade blanks and blade tools, produced elsewhere, was used. The ground stone artefacts and fragments included lower and upper grinding stones, plaquettes with polished surfaces, hammerstones, grinders/pounders. The raw materials used in the ground stone industry are either local (quartz, conglomerate, sandstone) or mesolocal (gabbro, basalt) coming from river alluvia or from the hills at the Hungarian—Slovakian border. Andesites, probably from the Mátra Mountains, occur in small quantities. Thus, the raw materials exploited at Apc demonstrate contacts with eastern region, however the site is the easternmost LBK settlement.

Composition of Atlantic forest in northern Carpathian foothills, from a charcoal record from a Neolithic domestic site at Żerków (Poland): The relevance of oak and hazel

Abstract A study of firewood remains from the foothills of the Western Carpathians in Poland yielded information about the history of forest communities growing in the vicinity of human settlements in the Atlantic period. The anthracological material was collected at Żerków, a Neolithic site of the Linear Band Pottery culture, situated on the highest parts of a hill covered by fertile soil. The anthracological assemblage was dominated by Quercus and Corylus avellana, followed by Acer and Maloideae, suggesting that those taxa probably were significant constituents of the local forest during the Atlantic period. Based on the ecological requirements of the identified taxa, such communities occupied areas of more open canopy, but it is unclear whether the material reflects the composition of the primeval forest or rather the presence of open canopy created by human impacts on local ecosystems during the period of settlement.

Traseologia w badaniach krzemieniarstwa najstarszych społeczności rolniczych na Niżu Polskim. Materiały krzemienne kultury ceramiki wstęgowej rytej ze stanowiska 5 w Bocieniu, gm. Chełmża, woj. kujawsko-pomorskie

The multicultural site 5 in Bocien was discovered in 1996 during a surface survey conducted in association with a planned construction of the A1 motorway. The excavations of the site were carried out in 1999. The analysis of cultural strata, archaeological features’ spatial relationship and functions as well as that of ceramic material showed that in case of the earliest settlement horizon associated with Linear Band Pottery culture there are at least two phases of occupation. These are linked with phases II and III of the culture’s development in Kuyavia and Chelmno Land. Remnants of two long houses of timber post construction along with functionally associated features were assigned to phase II. In addition two more feature concentrations were also linked with this phase. The first household is composed of an assemblage of postholes (house no. 1) and features: 108, 117, 119, 152, 153, the second household is another relict of a post construction longhouse along with features: 93, 100, 101, 102, 103, 105, 165, 166. Concentrations of features not related to buildings were defined as the southern concentration (features: 67, 69, 72, 74, 79, 81, 82, 83) and the south-western concentration (features: 88, 89, 90, 91). A later phase of occupation of the settlement is stylistically associated with phase III of Linear Band Pottery culture’s development in Chelmno Land represented by features: 104, 131, 139, 140, 145, 151. The vast majority of the flint material is related to the Early Neolithic settlement of the Linear Band Pottery culture (of a total of 305 fl intobjects 240 come from features associated with this culture and 9 more come from the likewise linked layer II). Other flint objects came from topsoil and cultural layer I (of a multicultural character) and from few features of younger dating. Further analyses (morphological, source material, and traceological) were conducted on material classified as Linear Band Pottery culture related. The analysis of flint material provided valuable data. Although, in comparison to other sites of this culture known from Chelmno Land the flint products are relatively few, it is extremely important that they can be assigned to specific features (functional structures) within the settlement. Considering the source material used (predominantly chocolate flint imported from southern regions of Poland) and products’ morphologic character (flint working techniques and the set of morphological tool forms), the structure of the analysed inventory does not differ much from that of other known Linear Band Pottery culture site flint inventories of the Polish Plain. The most important data on the oldest settlement of an agricultural community in Chelmno Land is related to the complexes of houses along with associated functional structure. The most interesting observation arising directly from the traceological analysis is that there is a large number of tools related to the „animal economy”. The „southern” concentration of features, located some 50–60 meters from buildings’ relics, was recognized as the buildings’ economic background area. According to a set of functional tools uncovered there, as well as the analysis results of the other categories of objects (animal bones, stone artifacts) this location seems to be a place associated with various types of work related to sharing of animal carcasses, cutting meat, cleaning the bones and tanning animal skins, meaning an intensive every day activities. This information allow us to interpret some of the behavioural patterns of the Linear Band Pottery people; the villagers were rational in their own way, they kept their surroundings clean, garbage was deposed in selected, earlier prepared pits. Some „dirty” activities, such as quartering of animal carcasses, separating skin and meat from bones, were conducted in a considerable distance from houses, unnecessary organic residues was probably thrown into pits forming the economic background area of the houses. Possibility to determine the functional differentiation of space within the settlement (in the form of specific utilitarian functions) shows us the importance of the site 5 in Bocien; allowing recognition of the character of the Linear Band Pottery people’s presence in Chelmno Land.

Dane archeozoologiczne z miejscowości Bocień (stanowisko 5) do poznania gospodarki ludności kultury ceramiki wstęgowej rytej na ziemi chełmińskiej

During rescue excavations curried out in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie section of A1 motorway in Chelmza commune, animal bone remains were found in Bocien, site 5. The only homogenous and simultaneously the most numerous assemblage (1115 NISP) were bones collected in features of the linear band pottery culture (LBPC) – phase II and III. They were registered within the range of an space-function areas I, II and S of the settlement (fig. 1, appendix 1). The material presented significant predomination of domestic mammals, mainly cattle, clearly smaller bones of pig, sheep/goat and dog. Wild mammals are represented by red deer, elk, roe deer and aurochs. Reptile remains belonged to European pond turtle. Teeth and head bones were the most numerous cattle elements’ specimens. Some of cattle, pig, sheep/goat and dog bones bore traces of shallow and narrow pits after using blades (knives) of stone (fl int). The others registered black coloring, which was the result of meat or bone marrow roasting. The collection also consisted of examples with work traces (fragments of red deer and elk antlers) and bone tools (chisel – made of metatarsal) and plates’ fragments. The excavated fauna collection became the grounds for interpretation, referring to the following questions: a) genesis of the studied fauna finds, b) significance of domestic species in manufacturing raw material of animal origin, c) strategies implemented in manufacturing raw material of animal origin, d) some features of natural environment of the settlement surrounding and e) Neolithic morphotypes of Chelmno Land animals. Population inhabiting the settlement produced food of animal origin by breeding. Utilization of natural fauna resources, e.g. aurochs, deer, roe-deer and wild horses (probably tarpan) was clearly smaller. Animal economy was based on cattle, which belonged to aurochs like form ( Bos primigenius ), analogous to cattle sizes from Kuyavia and settlements of linear band pottery culture populations inhabiting the areas of present Germany. Meat and bone marrow obtained of it was prepared for consumption by roasting it in fire. Cow milk was not important food product, because at least half of herds’ populations was slaughtered at juvenis and subadultus ages. Keeping ruminants, species suitable for grazing, resulted from open grassy spaces existence. However, the settlement was also surrounded by forests, what is confirmed by red deer and aurochs presence in the material. A part of the land was soppy, grown with temporate broadleaved forests, perfect for elks existence. The performed exploration and analyses deliver evidence, that local population inhabiting the settlement related in their economic strategy to cultural rules obligatory in wider space, e.g. in Kuyavia. Zooarchaeological sources from Bocien, as first in Chelmno Land delivered the grounds for analyses of cattle individual age and its morphological forms. Moreover, thanks to anatomical composition analysis we were able to indicate the settlement spatial zones, basing on observations made by the means of archaeological data.

Stature of early Europeans

The ancestors of modern Europeans arrived in Europe at least 40,000 years before present. Pre-glacial maximum Upper Palaeolithic males (before 16,000 BC) were tall and slim (mean height 179 cm, estimated average body weight 67 kg), while the females were comparably small and robust (mean height 158 cm, estimated average body weight 54 kg). Late Upper Palaeolithic males (8000-6600 BC) were of medium stature and robusticity (mean height 166 cm, estimated average body weight 62 kg). Stature further decreased to below 165 cm with estimated average body weight of 64 kg in Neolithic males of the Linear Band Pottery Culture, and to 150 cm with estimated average body weight of 49 kg in Neolithic females. The body stature of European males remained within the range of 165 to 170 cm up to the end of the 19th century.