scholarly journals New Data on the Economic Activity of Ancient Population on the Little Sea of Lake Baikal (Based on Fauna Materials from the Shrakshura 3 Site)

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
pp. 3-11
Author(s):  
A. G. Novikov ◽  
◽  
O. I. Goriunova ◽  
D. G. Malikov ◽  
A. M. Mamontov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lake Baikal ◽  
Taxonomic Diversity ◽  
Cultural Layer ◽  
Faunal Remains ◽  
Early Neolithic ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Ancient Population ◽  
Coastal Species ◽  
Layer 2

The article discusses the results of fauna materials' analysis from the complexes of the Shrakshura 3 site, situated on the northwestern coast of Mukhor Bay (Little Sea of Lake Baikal). The analysis of 5862 animals’ bones and teeth obtained from three cultural layers of this site was carried out. The methodology is based on the taxonomic diversity study among identifiable animal species, the number of species and their quantitative indicators. Most of the fauna remains (5137 pieces) is recorded in the cultural layer 2, dating back to the early Neolithic in the chronological range of 7420–7290 cal BP. The fauna remains of the Early Neolithic cultural layer 1 (7170–6970 cal BP) are similar in species composition to the fauna from the layer 2. Judging by both the faunal remains and a set of tools (sinkers for fishing nets made of flat pebbles, composite fish hooks, fragments of bait fish and a horn tool for knitting nets), the Early Neolithic population of the e site was mainly engaged in fishing. The fish is represented by coastal species: perch, pike, roach, crucian carp. Fishing gear made it possible to reconstruct the methods of fish catching: with a net (as better productive method) and with the help of individual use tools (fishing rods). Hunting was a secondary activity. The objects of hunting were ungulates, carnivorous mammals, and birds. In general, the population led a complex appropriating economy, combining fishing (as the main activity) and hunting. The absence of traces of dwellings, long-term fireplaces and production area in the layers characterizes these complexes as short-term seasonal campsites. The large number of fish bones suggests a specialized (aimed at catching fish) nature of the campsites. In the complex of cultural layer 0 of the Shrakshura 3 site, dated back to the Late Bronze and Iron Ages, the bones of domestic animals were recorded. In general, the clear stratigraphic situation of the Shrakshura 3 site and the presence of radiocarbon dates helps to identify and characterize the Early Neolithic fauna remains in the range of the 7420–6970 cal BP, as well as to reconstruct the economic activities of the ancient population of this chronological period, living on the coast of Little Sea of Lake Baikal. Previously, all reconstructions were based only on materials of Ityrkhei site, where layers of the Early Neolithic were recorded.

Fish Otoliths as Indicators of Seasonality in Prehistoric Shell Middens: the Evidence from Oronsay (Inner Hebrides)

1980 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 19-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. A. Mellars ◽  
M. R. Wilkinson ◽  
N. R. J. Fieller
Keyword(s):  
Single Species ◽  
Fish Bone ◽  
Faunal Remains ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Species Analysis ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Total Fish ◽  
Chief Interest

The samples to be discussed in this paper derive from a series of late Mesolithic shell-midden sites on the island of Oronsay in the Inner Hebrides. Despite the small size of the island (less than six square kilometres) at least six separate middens have now been identified on Oronsay, of which all except one are located along the south-east-facing coast of the island (fig. 1). Radiocarbon dates ranging from 3695 ± 80 to 3200 ± 380 bc have been obtained on samples of charcoal from the middens, and point to a considerable measure of chronological overlap in the occupation of the different sites (Mellars 1978).Archaeologically, the chief interest of these sites lies in the excellent conditions for the preservation of faunal remains, which provides a unique insight into the economic activities of coastal-living groups shortly before the appearance of formally ‘Neolithic’ communities in northern Britain. In addition to a wide range of molluscan, mammalian and bird remains, the sites have yielded exceptionally large numbers of fish bones. While the total range of fish exploited from the sites is impressive (comprising at least 12 species), analysis has shown that by far the major emphasis in the fishing activities was placed on the exploitation of a single species—the saithe or coalfish (Pollachius virens L.). In all the samples so far analysed this species accounts for at least 95 per cent of the total fish-bone material, and in many of the samples it is the only species represented.

scholarly journals Chronology of the Neolithic Ceramics of Baikal-Yenisei Siberia: Basic Ideas and New Data

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
pp. 23-53
Author(s):  
I. M. Berdnikov ◽  
◽  
O. I. Goriunova ◽  
A. G. Novikov ◽  
N. E. Berdnikova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lake Baikal ◽  
Nitrogen Isotopes ◽  
Faunal Remains ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Ceramic Vessels ◽  
Basic Ideas ◽  
Freshwater Reservoir ◽  
Technical Assessment

There are two main research areas in the Neolithic studies of the Baikal-Yenisei Siberia. One of them relates to research of mortuary traditions, another with a research of hunter-gatherer’s campsites. Ceramics is of the greatest importance for the cultural identification of campsites complexes. As a result of the Canadian-Russian project, for the Neolithic burials a clear chronological model based on AMS radiocarbon dates corrected for the freshwater reservoir effect (FRE) was created. There are several hypotheses for ceramic complexes that were proposed, but all of them predominantly were based on the radiocarbon dates obtained by the liquid scintillation counting method. This data cannot be admitted as reliable because of the limitation of this method, the big root-mean-square deviation, and the lack of data on stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes. Over the past few years, we have received in the Keck-CCAMS Group and Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit laboratories 35 new AMS-radiocarbon dates for the complexes with Neolithic ceramics. Samples taken for analyses were obtained from the 14 multilayered sites of the Angara region, Tunka valley, and Lake Baikal coast. They are represented by fragments of teeth, bones, and horns of the mammals (predominantly Cervidae and large ungulates) that accompanied pottery in cultural horizons. In five cases the carbonized organic residues (foodcrusts) from the inner surface of ceramic vessels were used as samples. In one more case, it was a strong humified soil cleaned from impurities. The technical assessment of the reliability of all dates was provided. The definitions obtained for faunal remains look the most correct. Dates obtained for foodcrust are likely significantly older, because of possible FRE influence. The geoarchaeological assessment of new dates and their correlation with the most reliable dates of previous years is provided. Based on the AMC-dating, the following chronometric frames for the Neolithic pottery of the Baikal-Yenisei Siberia are offered: Early Neolithic Net-impressed and the Khaita ceramics in the Angara region – 8539–6914 cal BP, on the Lake Baikal coast – 8160–6960 cal BP, in the Tunka valley – 7843–7681 cal BP; Ust-Belaya ceramics in the Northern Angara region – 7421–7014 cal BP (perhaps the real age is younger), in the Southern Angara region – 6730–6306 cal BP; Posolskaya ceramics on the Lake Baikal coast – 6750–6300 cal BP, in the Southern Angara region – 6730–6306 cal BP; Serovo and Dotted-comb ceramics on the Lake Baikal coast – 5841–4620 cal BP.

Памятники ранненеолитической среднедонкой культуры у села Доброе на верхнем Дону

Światowit ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 57 ◽  
pp. 23-40
Author(s):  
Roman V. Smolyaninov ◽  
Aleksey A. Kulichkov ◽  
Yelizaveta S. Yurkina ◽  
Yevgeniya Yu. Yanish
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
Cultural Layer ◽  
Early Neolithic ◽  
Bone Tools ◽  
Ancient Population ◽  
Ceramic Vessels ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Town ◽  
Neolithic Pottery

Nowadays there are 72 sites of the Neolithic Middle-Don Culture. Ceramic vessels are ornamented mostly using triangular pricks. These settlements are located on the banks of the rivers Voronezh and Don in their lower reaches. Not far from the town of Dobroe, a  concentration of Neolithic settlements was found. Three of them contained Early Neolithic pottery of the Middle-Don Culture (6th millennium BC). For the first time on the settlement Dobroe 9 a cultural layer was found in situ. Due to the discovery of the assemblage of pottery and stone and bone tools, new excavations allowed us to characterise the material culture of the ancient population of the Upper Don in a new way.

scholarly journals Results and Prospects of the Study of Neolithic Sites on the Lake Baikal Coast

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
pp. 54-82
Author(s):  
A. G. Novikov ◽  
◽  
O. I. Goriunova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Lake Baikal ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Early Neolithic ◽  
Late Neolithic ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Archaeological Material ◽  
Reliable Source ◽  
Scientific Potential

The article aims to generalize the information on the Neolithic sites of the Baikal coast identified for all period of the research, to evaluate their significance and prospects for further study. It is based on literary, archival materials and the results of our own field work. A list of objects (93 sites) was determined, their mapping was done, preliminary dating was clarified, data on radiocarbon dates ware collected (48 dates for 12 sites). Among the Neolithic objects, microlayered sites containing pure complexes of this time are the most important. 34 such objects have been recorded along the entire coast of Lake Baikal. Excavations were carried out on 17 of them, the rest of the sites were revealed by small excavation works. Approximately a third of objects (29 sites) are identified based on the collection of exposed material. A significant group is represented by macrolayered objects (30 sites), where the Neolithic materials are in a situation of compression with the complexes of other chronological periods. The unevenness of the archaeological study of the Baikal shore is noted. The Cis-Olkhon region has the greatest scientific potential. 10 microlayered sites (out of 22) were comprehensively excavated on this territory. Enough reliable stratigraphy, geological and geomorphological characteristics, qualitative, informative archaeological material, and the series of radiocarbon dates were obtained. The southwestern Baikal shore sites (3 out of 7 microlayered objects have been excavated) and Chivyrkui Bay (1 out of 3 objects) represented a promising material. These archaeological sites are a reliable source base and pivotal in the study of the regional Neolithic. At present, the largest number of sites with complexes of the Early (16 sites) and Late (13 sites) Neolithic have been identified on the Baikal coast. Complexes of the Middle Neolithic in microlayered position are noted at 6 sites. The complexes of the Cis-Olkhon region and the southwestern Baikal coast are provided with radiocarbon dates. For the Late Neolithic there are 25 reliable dates, for the Early Neolithic – 19 dates, for the Middle Neolithic – 4 dates. According to them, the complexes of the Early Neolithic are dated in the range of 7214–6123 BP (8160–6910 cal BP), Middle Neolithic – 5874–5597 BP (6750–6310 cal BP), Late Neolithic – 4967–4217 BP (5840–4630 cal BP). In general, the Neolithic sites of the Baikal coast have great scientific potential and prospects for future research.

Freshwater Reservoir Offsets Investigated Through Paired Human-Faunal14C Dating and Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotope Analysis at Lake Baikal, Siberia

Radiocarbon ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 991-1008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick J Schulting ◽  
Christopher Bronk Ramsey ◽  
Vladimir I Bazaliiskii ◽  
Olga I Goriunova ◽  
Andrzej Weber
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Lake Baikal ◽  
Nitrogen Isotope ◽  
Natural Ecosystem ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Faunal Remains ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Freshwater Reservoir

Thirty-three paired accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dates on human and terrestrial faunal remains from the same Neolithic and Early Bronze Age graves are used to develop a correction for the freshwater reservoir effect (FRE) at Lake Baikal, Siberia. Excluding two outliers, stable nitrogen isotope (δ15N) values show a positive correlation(r2= 0.672,p< 0.000) with offsets in14C yr between paired human and fauna determinations. The highest offset observed in our data set is 622 yr, which is close to the value of ∼700 yr suggested for endemic seals in the lake. For each per mil increase in δ15N, the offset increases by 77 ± 10 yr in the overall data set. However, there are indications that different regression models apply in each of two microregions of Cis-Baikal. In the first, sites on the southwest shore of the lake and along the Angara River show a strong positive correlation between δ15N values and offsets in14C yr (r2= 0.814,p< 0.000). In the other, the Little Sea, both δ13C and δ15N values make significant contributions to the model (adjustedr2= 0.878; δ13Cp< 0.001; δ15Np< 0.000). This can be related to the complex13C ecology of the lake, which displays one of the widest ranges of δ13C values known for any natural ecosystem. The results will be important in terms of refining the culture-history of the region, as well as exploring the dynamic interactions of hunter-gatherer communities both synchronically and diachronically.

scholarly journals The pottery of the final phase of sperrings culture

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-144
Author(s):  
Konstantin Enrikovich German
Keyword(s):  
Stone Tools ◽  
Advanced Stage ◽  
Final Phase ◽  
Early Neolithic ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Ancient Population ◽  
Mixed Complexes ◽  
Pattern Characteristic ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
Main Pattern

The paper is devoted to the poorly studied final period of the existence of Early Neolithic Sperrings culture. There are few settlements of this period - Voynavolok XX, Sandermoha II, Pindushi and Sulgu Va, they are presented in mixed complexes with proscenium stone tools and the absence of radiocarbon dates. No transitional complexes between the developed and final stages of the sperrings culture have been identified. The ceramics of the final stage has a number of differences from the classic sperrings. This lack of ornamentation imprints fish vertebra and the retreating lines. At the same time there are imprints of the corded stamps and oval (rhomboid) pits, round-conical pits marked on the main pattern - characteristic features of the advanced stage of the sperrings culture. The main ornament is horizontal zones inclined right and left with a short-cut or corded stamps, comb stamp or oval (rhomboid) pits that form a vertical zigzag lines coated on top of horizontal belts of round-conical pits, sometimes arranged in a staggered manner. Such a change of pottery decoration hasnt been noted by experts studying early Neolithic ceramics of Karelia due to a small number of vessels and their presence in mixed complexes. Therefore, the development of the sperrings culture is likely to have been continued in some areas of South Karelia, but it is poorly recorded due to the refusal of the ancient population to use a fish vertebra as ornamentation as well as the transition to comb stamps.

scholarly journals Construction features of the dwelling at the early Neolithic site Baibek in the North Caspian Sea Region

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 177-191
Author(s):  
Tatiana Yuryevna Grechkina ◽  
Aleksander Alekseevich Vybornov ◽  
Yurii Sergeevich Lebedev
Keyword(s):  
Caspian Sea ◽  
Region Of Interest ◽  
Layer By Layer ◽  
Faunal Remains ◽  
Early Neolithic ◽  
Spores And Pollen ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Neolithic Site ◽  
The North ◽  
Definition Of

This work studies construction features of the dwelling discovered at the Neolithic site Baibek. Detailed recorded data made it possible to determine its dimensions, shape and structural components. The layer by layer analysis gave grounds to reconstruct its origin and development. Pottery and stone tools, as well as other materials of the cultural layer found in the dwelling pit are similar to the materials of the Kairshak type of the Neolithic in the Northern Caspian Sea Region. A series of radiocarbon dates establishes the chronological interval of the dwelling functioning: the first quarter of the VI millennium BC. The results of spores and pollen analysis indicate the paleogeographic background at that time. The definition of faunal remains indicates the leading hunting species: onager, red deer, corsac, saiga; fish (sterlet, perch, pike, common carp, pike perch) were caught both in open and in closed reservoirs. Judging by the analysis of the crust on the inner side of the vessels, signs of animal and plant food preparation have been established. The studied dwelling complements the characteristics of the Neolithic culture of the Kairshak type bearers and possibly marks the beginning of the transition of the population to a certain sedentary life. In addition, the information obtained gives reasons to speak about the appearance of dwellings in the region of interest starting from the early Neolithic.

scholarly journals New Data on the Mesolithic of the Southern Angara Region (Based on Materials of the Priyut Sukacheva 2 Site)

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 3-24
Author(s):  
I. M. Berdnikov ◽  
◽  
N. E. Berdnikova ◽  
I. V. Ulanov ◽  
K. A. Krutikova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle Ages ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Detailed Comparison ◽  
Faunal Remains ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Lithic Assemblage ◽  
Archaeological Materials ◽  
Stratigraphic Position ◽  
Stone Industry

The results of archaeological works carried out in 2017 at the Priyut Sukacheva 2 site (Irkutsk) and analysis of the Mesolithic stone industry are presented. During the excavation, we uncovered the Pleistocene and Holocene deposits and identified two cultural layers. Mixed and poorly informative materials were found in the 1th layer, which is dated, in accordance with the ceramics, to a wide period from Neolithic to the Middle Ages. The most interesting finds of this layer are a flint zoomorphic figurine and a sandstone bait fish. The most representative is the collection of the 2nd layer. Three fireplaces made of pebbles were found here, which were severely destroyed because of cryogenic processes at the end of the Early – beginning of the Middle Holocene. The collection includes almost 6 thousand finds, among which were noted: debitage, cores and precors, end-scrapers (the most numerous category), incisors, borers, points, combined and notched tools, abrasive tools, preforms of tools, a knife, a side-scraper, pebbles and pieces of rock. The collection also consist of a few faunal remains (Equus ferus, Cervidae and ungulates). According to the specificity of lithic assemblage and the presence of large fireplaces, we can assume that there was a short-term settlement of hunter-gatherers. Here, the primary stone knapping was carried out, that indicated by the finds of cores, precors, flakes, and pieces of rock. Along with this, intensive economic activities were carried out, which was probably associated with various works on skin dressing, processing bone and wood. Despite of the lack of radiocarbon dates, the lithic assemblage of the 2nd layer is sufficiently expressive for a detailed comparison with materials from other sites. As a result of the collection analysis, the greatest similarity with the Late Mesolithic complexes of the Lisikha site, located on the opposite bank of Angara river, was found. Both sites have a similarity in the preferences of the inhabitants in the choice of raw materials (mudstone), the shape of cores and tools, and the stratigraphic position of the archaeological materials. Taking into account all the data, the age of complexes from the 2nd layer at the Priyut Sukacheva 2 site should be determined by the Final Mesolithic (~9.5–8.5 ka cal BP). The results of stratigraphic analysis do not contradict these conclusions.

Evaluation of radiocarbon dates from the Middle Holocene hunter-gatherer cemetery Khuzhir-Nuge XIV, Lake Baikal, Siberia

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 1481-1500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej Weber ◽  
Hugh G. McKenzie ◽  
Roelf Beukens ◽  
Olga I. Goriunova
Keyword(s):  
Lake Baikal ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Middle Holocene

scholarly journals The results of the study of the Algay site (2019) in the lower Volga Region

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 118-131
Author(s):  
Aleksandr Alekseevich Vybornov ◽  
Irina Nikolaevna Vasilyeva ◽  
Aleksey Valerievich Baratskov ◽  
Filat Faritovich Gilyazov ◽  
Pavel Andreevich Kosintsev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Social Stratification ◽  
Neolithic Period ◽  
Cultural Layer ◽  
Radiocarbon Dates ◽  
Lower Volga Region ◽  
Lower Volga ◽  
Archaeological Materials ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
Technological Analysis

The processes of Neolithization and Eneolithization are two of the most important in the study of the human prehistory. The territory of the Lower Volga is of particular importance. In the Neolithic period, one of the oldest ceramic traditions in Eastern Europe appears. In the Eneolithic, cultures with signs of a productive economy are recorded rather early here. A further study of these issues depends on a quality source base. Monuments of the Neolithic and Eneolithic in the Volga steppe are rare. Therefore, the study of the new site Algay is very relevant. Its importance increases due to the discovery of stratigraphic data in 2019: the Eneolithic and Neolithic layers are separated by relatively sterile layers. This allows us to establish reliable periodization. Features of the lower cultural layer allowed us to trace the process of its formation. The work was interdisciplinary. The results of the technical and technological analysis of ceramics revealed the characteristic features of the Neolithic and Eneolithic. Archaeozoological definitions established the species composition of animals in the Neolithic and Eneolithic. New radiocarbon dates provide a basis for determining the exact chronological framework of the Orlovskaya and Caspian cultures in this region. Among archaeological materials, rare artifacts have been discovered that testify to social stratification already in the Neolithic period.

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