Rare Artifacts Research Articles

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.

Identifying Artifacts from Large Library Docking.

While large library docking has discovered potent ligands for multiple targets, as the libraries have grown the hit lists can become dominated by rare artifacts that cheat our scoring functions. Here, we investigate rescoring top-ranked docked molecules with orthogonal methods to identify these artifacts, exploring implicit solvent models and absolute binding free energy perturbation as cross-filters. In retrospective studies, this approach deprioritized high-ranking nonbinders for nine targets while leaving true ligands relatively unaffected. We tested the method prospectively against hits from docking against AmpC β-lactamase. We prioritized 128 high-ranking molecules for synthesis and testing, a mixture of 39 molecules flagged as likely cheaters and 89 that were plausible inhibitors. None of the predicted cheating compounds inhibited AmpC detectably, while 57% of the 89 plausible compounds did so. As our libraries continue to grow, deprioritizing docking artifacts by rescoring with orthogonal methods may find wide use.

О литейной форме из поселения эпохи бронзы Тарангул в Актюбинском Приуралье

Introduction. In 2021, the Mugodzhar (Mugalzhar) Crew of the Margulan Institute of Archaeology investigated the site of Tarangul and discovered a casting mold ― a rare artifact of utmost interest related to metal production and processing. Goals. The article seeks to describe and analyze the Bronze Age mold from Tarangul located in the Aktobe Cis-Urals, introduce into scholarly circulation some newly obtained scientific data. Results. The implemented analyses include those of natural science (micro-wear and spectral ones) and comparative typology, the latter to yield a classification of castings and their cultural affiliation. The tool mold has two surfaces with negative impressions. The first one was used to cast three sickles, while the second one (once consisted of two pieces) would cast a flat adze. The shapes attest to the mold was used to cast Kundravinskaya-type sickles widespread across the Late Bronze Age Southern Urals, Middle Volga, and Western Siberia. Kundravinskaya-type sickles are associated with the Alakul culture, the Kozhumberdy cultural group being a local variant of the latter in the region under study. The shape of the impression on the reverse side is characteristic of adzes from the Alakul era discovered in western parts of Eurasia’s steppe zone. The study concludes the mold had first consisted of two pieces and been used to cast adzes, and after the other piece was lost or damaged it started being used to cast sickles. The spectral analysis shows the castings were basically made from copper, and detects some traces of alloying. Another finding is that the three mold negatives were used not simultaneously but rather when and as it was necessary. In general, the conducted tests have well reconstructed the manufacturing techniques and stages of use for the mold from the Late Bronze Age settlement of Tarangul in the Aktobe Cis-Urals, and highlighted certain aspects in the study of molds as a specific source on metal production techniques and technologies in prehistory.

The Typology of Pins of Sapalli Culture

In the 70s of the twentieth century, the Sapalli culture of the Bronze Age (2200–1300 BC) that was formed on the territory of Northern Bactria was introduced into scientific discourse, based on studied sources in the direction of historical and archaeological research. The inhabitants of the Sapalli culture were considered extremely skilled in handicrafts in addition to farming and animal husbandry. Among the types of crafts (ceramics, construction, blacksmithing, etc.), jewelry making is especially distinguished by its unique types and forms. The pins that form the basis of jewelry found in the monuments of the Sapalli culture are an important material source for illuminating the culture of the Bronze Age of the people of Central Asia, and, they embody the lifestyle, culture, art, and traditions of the people of the Bronze Age. In addition to other types of jewelry (earrings, diadems, beads, necklaces, bracelets, amulets, rings, and bracelets), many examples of beads have been found in the monuments of Sapallitepe, Djarkutan, Mulalitepe, Bustan VI, VII, Tilla Bulak of Sapalli culture, their typological analysis helps to study their essence in-depth and, the development of their analogues. In this article, more than 140 pins that belong to the class of jewelry for a head identified from the monuments of the Sapalli culture are divided into types, groups, and classes according to the shape of the head part of the pins. Among the types of pins by the shape and purpose, pins with zoomorphic and anthropomorphic figures in the head part, rosette-shaped pins and pins with a star-shaped head part, which are rare artifacts, widespread among the cultures of the Oxus civilization, stand out.

Мідний кований казан ранньоскіфського часу з округи Більського городища

In the article, for the first time, data on the accidental discovery of a thin-walled copper cauldron in the floodplain of the Stara Vorskla River (Left Bank Dnipro Forest-Steppe), in the nearest district of Bilsk fortified hillfort, are introduced into scientific circulation. On the basis of morphological and X-ray fluorescence analyses of the object, its place among other few similar finds in the territory of Forest-Steppe Scythia is shown, the connection with the Central Caucasian production centers, as well as the influence of Urartian art in the design of handles, are traced. Previously, the item was assigned to the first half of the 6th century BC. The rare artefact could have reached the left bank of the Dnipro with the nomads advancing to the Ukrainian forest-steppe through the Caucasus. The cauldron found differs in appearance from other similar artefacts and hasn’t had any exact analogues yet. However, the high rims and the probable presence of a low pallet may indicate a production tradition of Caucasian craftsmen. At the same time, the design of the figured overlays for fastening the handles in the shape of a stylised bird with spread wings definitely points to the Urartian (East Asian) cultural tradition. The technique of making cauldron attachments, with a perpendicularly placed, separately cast ring, used by Urartian foundries is indicative, which, at first glance, could suggest an Urartian import. Clarity is provided by the results of spectral analyses. According to the elemental composition of the metal, each of the three cauldrons known today with similar handle attachments, found in the territories of the Ukrainian forest-steppe, has a copper body and bronze handles with a significant content of lead (from 10 to 15%), which indicates the possibility of their manufacture in workshops, located on the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, where at the end of the 8th—6th centuries BC there was a large centre for the production of various types of metal utensils. In our case, the attachments on the cauldrons were cast according to the local recipe, but based on Urartian prototypes. Based on the archaeological context and the results of RFA analyses of the metal of thin-walled cauldrons of the Early Scythian period, found in the territory of Forest-Steppe Scythia (Bilsk, Repiakhuvata Mohyla and Kruhlyk), it can be concluded that all of them were made in the first half of the 6th century BC in one of the Central Caucasian production centres by order and according to the taste of the nomadic elite. The possibility of Urartian craftsmen working in one of these production centres cannot be eliminated.

An efficient semi-supervised quality control system trained using physics-based MRI-artefact generators and adversarial training

Large medical imaging data sets are becoming increasingly available. A common challenge in these data sets is to ensure that each sample meets minimum quality requirements devoid of significant artefacts. Despite a wide range of existing automatic methods having been developed to identify imperfections and artefacts in medical imaging, they mostly rely on data-hungry methods. In particular, the scarcity of artefact-containing scans available for training has been a major obstacle in the development and implementation of machine learning in clinical research. To tackle this problem, we propose a novel framework having four main components: (1) a set of artefact generators inspired by magnetic resonance physics to corrupt brain MRI scans and augment a training dataset, (2) a set of abstract and engineered features to represent images compactly, (3) a feature selection process that depends on the class of artefact to improve classification performance, and (4) a set of Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers trained to identify artefacts. Our novel contributions are threefold: first, we use the novel physics-based artefact generators to generate synthetic brain MRI scans with controlled artefacts as a data augmentation technique. This will avoid the labour-intensive collection and labelling process of scans with rare artefacts. Second, we propose a large pool of abstract and engineered image features developed to identify 9 different artefacts for structural MRI. Finally, we use an artefact-based feature selection block that, for each class of artefacts, finds the set of features that provide the best classification performance. We performed validation experiments on a large data set of scans with artificially-generated artefacts, and in a multiple sclerosis clinical trial where real artefacts were identified by experts, showing that the proposed pipeline outperforms traditional methods. In particular, our data augmentation increases performance by up to 12.5 percentage points on the accuracy, F1, F2, precision and recall. At the same time, the computation cost of our pipeline remains low –less than a second to process a single scan– with the potential for real-time deployment. Our artefact simulators obtained using adversarial learning enable the training of a quality control system for brain MRI that otherwise would have required a much larger number of scans in both supervised and unsupervised settings. We believe that systems for quality control will enable a wide range of high-throughput clinical applications based on the use of automatic image-processing pipelines.

From survey to integrated digital documentation of the cultural heritage of museums: A protocol for the anastylosis of archaeological finds

The conservation, development, and enjoyment of the artefacts in museums can benefit greatly from the application of integrated digital technologies. This topic is of great interest not only to researchers in various disciplines, but also to the managers of this heritage, the producers of technologies, innovative companies and start-ups, and the wider public. However, it does not currently seem to be possible to identify methods and protocols shared between the actors involved for the purpose of managing the phases of acquisition, definition of data models, management of digital content, and its later implementation. “Tailor-made” approaches therefore have direct consequences on the efficacy of the digitalisation processes currently available when applied to conservation and restoration, and to the promotion of cultural heritage. In this paper, we propose a protocol for the digitalisation of archaeological artefacts for the purpose of their display in museums. The method is illustrated with reference to a case study involving very rare artefacts from a wooden throne from the Villanovan Age. Finally, the work is part of the results of a wider project for the definition of protocols for the surveying and modelling of cultural heritage, from the architectural scale down to the scale of artefacts, carried out through public-private partnerships.

Непальський меч кора з колекції Львівського історичного музею: іконографія, датування та історичний контекст

The kora sword in the Lviv Historical Museum collection is a unique and rare artefact in Ukraine. However, the sword almost did not attract the attention of researchers. Thus, the article analyzes the historical context of the use of koras in the times of the Gurkha wars and the unification of Nepal under the leadership of the Shah dynasty in the 1750s–1760s. The cultural and religious significance of the sword itself is also investigated. In particular, attention is paid to the religious symbolism of the sword in Buddhism, and in this context to the place of kora sword in the religious practices and ideology of the Nepalese (as well as their neighbours) in pre-modern and early modern times. Often kora swords had images of the eye, lotus, or other religious symbols, which in the case of Nepal had (or could have) both Buddhist and Hindu (tantric) connotations. The sword from the Lviv Historical Museum collection has the image of a solar sign. The broader range of parallels of sword and weapon symbolism in the Buddhist art of Nepal and the Himalayas are drawn. The article analyzes in detail the main types of kora swords and their iconography. Basing on a comparison with existing objects from the museum and private art collections around the world, the author draws conclusions about the typification of kora swords. Thus it enables to reveal the type to which the sword from Lviv belongs. The analysis of the iconography of the kora from the Lviv Historical Museum including the images on the blade, the features and texture of the metalwork etc, also helps to date this Himalayan weapon and the region of its origin. The question of history of the Himalayan weapon in the museum, the circumstances of the arrival of the kora sword to the collection of the Lviv Historical Museum requires further research. Museum documents only confirm the arrival of the sword in 1940 from the Museum of Jan III, where it was kept as a deposit. However, there are reasons to assume that the kora sword could be associated with a group of prominent Polish Orientalists who worked in Lviv in the interwar period. The author puts forward a hypothesis about the possible connection of the Nepalese sword, in particular, with Professor Stefan Stasiak, the Indologist and Sanskritologist: the sword could have been brought by S. Stasiak from a trip to India.

Archaeometric Characterization of the Industrial Production of Porcelains in the Vieillard & Co. Manufactory (Bordeaux, France, 19th Century).

In this paper, we focus on the industrial production of porcelain in the Bordeaux area (France) in the 19th century. Our main objective is to assess the evolution of production technology of the same manufactory over a period of more than 40 years. A multi-analytical approach was used to investigate glazes and bodies of thirty-four sherds of biscuit and porcelain found in an archaeological context. The microstructural, chemical, and mineralogical characterization was performed using a combination of scanning electron microscopy, coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), particles induced X-ray and gamma emission (PIXE-PIGE), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results obtained on the characterization of the ceramic production technologies and on the chemical modification over time contributes to investigate this industrial production, which is not well documented by the written archives. The examination of the biscuits, rare artifacts, showed that the porcelain bodies were produced by mixing kaolinitic clays, quartz, and potassium feldspars. The mineralogical analysis of the ceramic supports allowed hypotheses to be put forward on the temperatures of the biscuit firing (around 950 °C) and the second firing (over 1200 °C). Furthermore, the treatment of the compositional data, including both glazes and bodies, using multivariate statistical analysis, revealed different types of production corresponding to the different chronological periods of production at Bordeaux throughout the 19th century. These results will enable us to consider the possibility of authenticating non-stamped and undecorated pieces.

3D digital technologies applied to the design and printing of auxiliary structures for fragment adhesion strategies on wax artifacts

Three-dimensional models of anatomy in wax preserved in university museums are rare artifacts of extraordinary technical complexity. In recent years, interest in them has increased among scholars who consider them primary sources of heritage value to approach material culture and the history of science. The fragility of the sculptural material and the inadequate exhibition and storage conditions of many of these collections have caused the formation of pathologies whose conservation treatment is a great challenge for the restorer. In this regard, new 3D digital technologies have created a great impact on the documentation and analysis of interventions in the field of conservation and restoration of cultural heritage. This research aims to demonstrate the technical possibilities offered by 3D digital systems as support tools in curative conservation strategies to mechanically stabilize fragmented sculptural parts. For this case study, we chose an 18th-century obstetric anatomical model made by the Madrid Court sculptor Juan Cháez, and the modeler Luigi Franceschi who belonged to the anatomical cabinet of the Royal College of Surgery of San Carlos in Madrid. In this work, we demonstrate the digitization process carried out employing structured light scanners, digital modeling, and 3D printing. The aim is to create auxiliary structures suitable to support the various original pieces to be adhered while guaranteeing their exact position during the adhesive curing process as well as the volumetric reintegration of faults. In addition tensile and three point bending tests for the mechanical characterization of the selected thermoplastic impression materials are described. Finally, the qualities considered suitable for the most appropriate material for the purpose of the study are detailed. Promising results were obtained since the structures have made it possible to perform fragment adhesions in highly complex areas of the sculpture, ensuring maximum precision, safety, and efficiency during the process.

Abstract 1230: Increasing equity in MSI and TMB biomarker testing with diverse datasets and personalized informatics

Abstract Introduction: NGS-based tests that include biomarkers such as microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutational burden (TMB) increase patient access to immune checkpoint inhibitors and improve the personalization of cancer care. Tumor-only NGS tests of biomarkers typically rely on germline reference sets in order to subtract germline variants from biomarker scores. Many germline reference sets lack sufficient population diversity to ensure consistent test quality for all patients. Informatic strategies such as somatic/germline zygosity prediction are often necessary to reduce bias introduced from germline variation and population-specific artefacts and mitigate the risk of inflating TMB and MSI scores. Methods: We sequenced germline samples from a curated set of research-consented patients representing diverse ancestries on a hybrid capture panel (N=1047 patients, from 10 populations). The tested groups included: African-American=416, Hispanic=162, Ashkenazi=130, Asian=127, Caucasian=85, Middle Eastern=44, Native American=27, Pacific Islander=25, Indian=25, and African=6. We confirmed that both rare population-specific alleles and population-specific technical artefacts contributed to spurious results from biomarker score inflation in underrepresented populations. To mitigate bias and universally improve scores in both MSI and TMB, we combined 1) an ancestry-diverse panel of germline samples assembled from the targeted panel, 2) population-specific public database filtering, 3) informatic germline variant subtraction, and 4) a heuristic for population-neutral target space selection. Results: Inter-population comparisons of MSI scores (Kruskal-Wallis p of 4.6*10^-69) and TMB scores (Kruskal-Wallis p of 3.7*10^-6) differed significantly in mutation signature errors prior to the mitigation work described in the methods. Application of the germline knowledge base filters and population-neutral target selection reduced the overall error rate (51% for TMB and 16% for MSI), and reduced inter-population score differences. TMB error rates reduced most for African, Pacific Islander, and African-American patients (100%, 71%, and 58%, respectively). Conversely, MSI error rates reduced most for Caucasian, Hispanic, and Asian patients (24%, 21%, and 20%, respectively). Conclusion: The incorporation of a diverse population set in this study empowered development of a more equitable bioinformatic approach, and significantly improved TMB and MSI determination across all populations. Qualitative differences in the sources of error per population and per biomarker type were associated with differing responses to each mitigation strategy. ​​These findings underscore the technical and clinical value of incorporating diverse ancestry reference sets and identifying non-biased assay targets to optimize personalized therapy selection. Citation Format: Elizabeth R. Starks, Victoria Carlton, Veena Rajaraman, Katya Kosheleva, Tamsen Dunn, Nick Kamps-Hughes, Laurie Gay, Meaghan Russell, Sarah Albritton, John J. Vincent, Nhu Ngo. Increasing equity in MSI and TMB biomarker testing with diverse datasets and personalized informatics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 1230.

Tracing the absence of children’s voices – artefacts of children’s persecution under the National Socialist regime

ABSTRACT Research on the history of childhood faces fundamental challenges in tracing children’s voices. Not yet skilled in forms of written self-documentation, children leave few documents behind. Other forms of expression (i.e. drawings) must thus be recognised as valuable historical sources and appropriate methods must be applied. These research challenges are aggravated in regard to persecuted children under the National Socialist regime. Few artefacts produced by children have been preserved, and in many cases nobody is left to tell the stories attached to them. The rare preserved artefacts thus paradoxically refer to the absence of children’s voices in history. Referring to the epistemological concept of the trace and a material culture perspective, I address some of these remarkable exceptions to discuss their potential and limitations as historical sources to research children’s lives. Two drawings by an 11-year-old girl from her lessons at the Private Jewish Elementary School in Düsseldorf serve as the starting point of a case study. Beginning with the materiality this study raises further questions about conditions of origin and preservation. Furthermore I discuss the researcher’s role in identifying artefacts as sources and creating meaning. In this way, I contribute to the methodological discussion of how research on children’s history can draw on artefacts like drawings produced by children.

Noi descoperiri în vechi colecții: un vas antropomorf de tip „dublu Janus” descoperit la Trușești / New discoveries in old collections: A “Double Janus” anthropomorphic vessel discovered in Trușești

The main purpose of our study is to (re) introduce into the scholarly circuit – with all the necessary details – an anthropomorphic vessel of a particular type discovered in Trușești-Țuguieta (Botoșani County) more than six decades ago (pl. 1-2). Its correct typological description and classification brings a new perspective on the symbolism embedded in these vessels, as an important category of sacred objects, which have a hermeneutic potential still not completely unveiled.Published in the site monograph as a vessel with a “lobed body” , the container is an anthropomorphic vessel regarded up to the present as one of a kind within the archaeological discoveries in the Cucuteni-Trypillia area. Viewed from any of its four sides, the vessel depicts the front of a female anthropomorphic figure. Specifically, it depicts the abdominal area and hips of four female figures positioned back-to-back. The female shapes are rendered in a typical representation for the Cucuteni anthropomorphic vessels, with emphasis on the abdomen and groin area, on the wide-shaped hips merges with the rest of the vessel. Referring to the typological classification made previously by us for some of the anthropomorphic vessels with a quasi-symmetrical profile, regarded as double-sided vessels of “janiform type” (pl. 3/3-4; 4), one can assert that this four-sided container is of “double Janus” type, being characterized by a feature that has been defined as an “image multiplication”.The presentation of the “double Janus”-type vessel of Trușești also gives us an opportunity to review the known archaeological data regarding the finding contexts of anthropomorphic vessels, of Cucuteni or from the contemporary and neighboring cultural areas. Their analysis allowed us to notice certain patterns of usage and abandonment of these containers, as well as the high frequency of certain associations with other types of rare artifacts, many indicated in archaeological studies as “cult pieces”. The synthesized data support the role of such anthropomorphic vessels as paraphernalia, artifacts that were used in ritual scenographies with a precisely defined role (which today can only be guessed), which is also polysemantic, being a special channel of nonverbal communication.

Curation of the John and Phil Palmquist Archaeological Collection

AbstractThe 2018 SAA statement encouraging collaboration between archaeologists and “responsible and responsive stewards” included recommendations epitomizing decades of established practice at the University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA), a research center housing the State Archaeological Repository of Iowa. At the time the SAA statement was published, OSA staff were actively implementing a grant supporting transfer to the State Repository of the John and Phil Palmquist Archaeological Collection. This grant was designed to provide hands-on research experience for undergraduate students interested in archaeology and collections management while recording improved site locational data and artifact specific documentation, including on relatively rare (for the area) red pipestone artifacts. Although modest by some standards, the Palmquist Collection includes 860 artifacts from 26 locations recorded through 40 years of surface survey by the family in a portion of Iowa that is rarely the focus of professional archaeologists. This article provides a case study of responsible archaeological practice implementing SAA recommendations, including treating collector-collaborators with respect, encouraging collector assistance in the recording of finds, capturing research data from a private collection, and facilitating curation of privately owned materials. We include brief consideration of the impact of the Palmquist Collection on the understanding of southwestern Iowa archaeology.

Facilitator and Teacher Perspectives on Museum Programs for Young Children

ABSTRACT Museums are a place of experiential and inquiry learning for young children. We know that children’s experiences at museums can provide novel opportunities to interact with rare artefacts, can extend concepts explored in early childhood curricula and encourage knowledge sharing with families. Research on the efficacy or outcomes of museum programs for young children has typically documented the resources and focus of learning programs, observed children’s engagement with programs and artefacts, and surveyed participants about their experience of being at the museum. We know less, however, about facilitator perspectives – both museum facilitators and early childhood teachers – on the elements of museum programs that reinforce young children’s learning. This paper reports on interviews with facilitators and finds concurrent commentary on the importance of physical access, museum facilitator experience, expectations, children’s interests, interactions with children, and interaction with artefacts. These findings have implications for the design and implementation of outreach programs and excursion museum programs for young children.

Coins of Roman Times from Berezan Island – end of 20th – beginning of 21st century finds

The coin material of Roman times, which was found during archaeological studies of an ancient settlement on the island of Berezan, is analyzed in the paper.
 The ancient settlement on the island of Berezan is primarily known as the first Greek colony in the Northern Black Sea region.
 In addition to the sites of the archaic period of the 6th – 5th centuries BCE, the objects belonging to other historical epochs are studied on the island. Roman times are represented by a large number of materials: ceramics, epigraphic finds, damaged archaeological sites (remains of dwellings, utility pits, etc.). Almost all researchers of the site have singled out single artefacts from Roman times. Unfortunately, the cultural layers of the first centuries of the New Era were destroying starting from the construction of the Turkish fortress finishing the works that preceded World War II. And nowadays, the process of destruction is still in progress due to large-scale grave robbery. In recent years, during archaeological studies, the coins of Roman times have usually been found in mixed redeposited layers.
 Coins of the 2nd – 3rd centuries CE are rare archaeological artefacts, found during research on the island, but at the same time, they are not unique finds.
 Currently, there is no generalized work cataloguing the numismatic material of the Roman times found during more than a century of archaeological study of the ancient settlement on the island of Berezan. Information about coins can be found in archeological reports and publications only as additional material. Such finds are mentioned in the works of P.Y. Karyshkovskyi, V.A. Anokhina, M.F. Boltenko, S.B. Buiskykh, V.V. Krutilov, and others.
 At the end of the 20th – beginning of the 21st century, coins of the Roman times were found at different excavation units of the archaeological research on the island headed by various scholars. V.V. Nazarov found coins at excavation units ‘R-1V’ and ‘T’, V.V. Krutilov at ‘T’ and ‘O’, and O.I. Smirnov and D.V. Bondarenko at ‘HSh’. All material is clearly dated to the 2nd – 3rd centuries CE, classified by Roman and Olbia minting of bronze and silver and belongs to the reigns of the emperors Antoninus Pius, Septimius Severus, and Archon of Olbia Dada son of Satyros. This gives us the opportunity to support the assumption of Ukrainian archaeologists that in the second half of the 2nd – beginning of the 3rd century CE on the island of Berezan there was a fortification of Roman troops detachment which garrisoned in Olbia.

High medieval fish-shaped needle case from Wolin. From the Studies on the Culture of the Elite

The article presents the case study of a needle case discovered in 2013 during excavations on the medieval harbour in Wolin, Pomerania, Poland. This rare artefact is made from antler and has a fish shape. A literature search revealed only a six analogical objects in Central and Eastern Europe – three in Poland and another three in Russia and Ukraine. All were discovered on important sites and strongholds of this specific territory, and all are elite products of 12th century craftsmanship.

Aboriginal serrated and perforated shell artefacts from the Murray River, South Australia

ABSTRACTThis article describes three freshwater mussel shell artefacts recently documented for the Murray River in South Australia. These finds more than double the known examples of such artefacts from this region. Two of the modified shells are perforated, with the other serrated. The finely serrated item is a rare artefact and we have not located any similar published examples in Australia, although international correlates exist. The function/s and cultural significance of the objects are also considered in this paper. Hypotheses for the perforated finds include ornamentation, tool stringing and fibre scraping. Ornamentation, idle tinkering and food utensil use are considered as possible intended functions for the serrated artefact. Given the age range of the objects reported here (c. 6181–517 cal BP), together with other finds in the Murray Darling Basin, we tentatively suggest that shells have been a material resource used continually in this region for a range of purposes. However, as argued by other researchers, we concur that there has probably been infrequent identification and reporting of such shell artefacts. This is considered particularly likely given that our finds were recovered from relatively small scale excavation/coring and surface sampling efforts. As such, this paper attempts to raise awareness of this form of material culture in archaeological sequences.

Evidence of human movements and exchange seen from curated obsidian artifacts on the Korean Peninsula

We report the analysis by LA-ICP-MS of 204 obsidian artifacts obtained from museum archives in the Republic of Korea. They were recovered at Bronze Age, Neolithic and Paleolithic sites, with some of the excavations dating back to the 1920s. For the Paleolithic sites, most samples utilise the ‘Paektusan’ source located in the region of Mount Paektu in DPR Korea. However, for the Sinhwari site we find the obsidian originates from sources on Kyushu Island, Japan, which is of considerable interest since this is only the second reported case of Japanese obsidian at a Paleolithic site on the Korean Peninsula. Ours is the first comprehensive provenance study for Neolithic obsidians from archaeological sites on the Korean Peninsula. We find that obsidian from Neolithic settlements on the southern coast of Korea also originates from sources on Kyushu Island; while some rare artifacts from inland sites correspond with the Paektusan source. Additionally, we identify three new geochemical groups and sub-groups of the Paektusan obsidian on top of the existing three classes that have been recognised.

Artistic peculiarities of painted pottery of Majiayao culture

The relevance of this research stems from the desire of modern science to discover rare artifacts and unique cultural phenomena of different peoples. The artistic peculiarities of painted pottery of Majiayao period represent are a cultural phenomenon that draws attention of the scholars. The article aims to provide general characteristics to Majiayao period; recount about the emergence of Majiayao culture; describe the shape and decorative peculiarities of painted pottery of Majiayao culture.It is noted that Majiayao culture was also referred to as “Yangshao Culture of Gansu” and developed virtually in parallel with the Yangshao culture. However, there is proof that Majiayao culture emerged slightly later than the Yangshao culture. The article reveals the characteristic colors, shapes, and patterns of the ceramic of this period.Practical significance of this research lies in familiarizing the audience with the peculiarities of Majiayao culture, detailed description of the specifics of its painted pottery, and contributing to further research on the topic. The acquired materials are valuable for studying the theory and history of arts, as well as in the lectures on the visual art of China. The scientific novelty consists in comprehensive examination of the peculiarities of decorative and applied arts. Characteristic is given to the pottery works of Majiayao period, their varieties, evolution, functional features, which testifies to the traditional customs and acquaints with the exotic culture.