image/svg+xml29 X/1/2019 InterdIscIplInarIa archaeologIca natural scIences In archaeology homepage: http://www.iansa.eu The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features Markéta Končelová a* , Magdalena Midgley b † , Jan Rulf a † , Marie Zápotocká a , Ivan Pavlů a, c a Institute of Archaeology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Letenská 4, 118 01 Prague 1, Czech Republic b University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge City, EH8 9YL Edinburgh, United Kingdom c Department of Archaeology, Philosophical Faculty, University of Hradec Králové, náměstí Svobody 331/2, 500 02, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic 1. Excavation Bylany 1990–1993 The Neolithic site in Bylany (Kutná Hora district) was systematically surveyed between 1953 and 1967 to the southeast of today’s village and afterwards the history of the settlement was gradually supplemented with information concerning other microareas (Bylany 1–5) within this cadastre (Figure 1). Located in the western part was the Neolithic microarea designated as Bylany 4; in accordance with its surface surveys and sondages, its range and cultural content were determined as belonging to the period of Linear Pottery culture (LBK) and Stroked Pottery culture (SBK). Already the frst probe from 1965, which was conducted roughly in a southeast-northwest direction through the central part of this microarea, uncovered two ditches with a tapering (V) profle (Zápotocká, 1983). These features were reminiscent of other rather well-known (but at that time still quite rare) circular enclosures with ditches from the period of the Stroked Pottery and Lengyel culture in the area of the Danube, in Germany, Slovakia and in Moravia (Lies, 1963; Podborský, 1988; 1999; Tichý, 1966; Točík, Lichardus, 1966; Wagner, 1928). While a survey of these central European rondel zones had a certain impetus already in the 1970s, it was not properly introduced until two decades later (Trnka, 1991). The research strategy in Bylany prioritised the completion of excavations in the Bylany 1 microarea. The survey of the Bylany 4 rondel microarea therefore took place only in the form of a geophysical prospection that identifed the central double rondel 4/1 (features 1728 and 1745) in its entirety (Faltysová, Marek, 1983). Only later, in association with research implemented in the early 1990s, the plan of rondel 4/1 was supplemented with a large concentric ditch enclosure (feature 1830). Also discovered were three additional later circular ditches (rondel 4/2) that Volume X ● Issue 1/2019 ● Pages 29–51 *Corresponding author. E-mail: koncelova@arup.cas.cz ARtICLE InfO Article history: Received: 31 st December 2018Accepted: 16 th July 2019DOI: http://dx.doi.org/ 10.24916/iansa.2019.1.3 Key words: NeolithicBylany sitecircular enclosuresrondels settlement pitsformation processesdeposition ABStRACt This article examines the distribution of Neolithic fnds in the fllings of features with diferent functions (settlement pits, rondel ditches, enclosure) in the Bylany 4 microarea, Kutná Hora district, Czech Republic. We investigate the nature of their extinction or the emergence of flls. The vertical structure of archaeological fnds (pottery and non-pottery) deposited in the sediments of various features was monitored in terms of fve attributes. Based on the diferent structures of the flls of archaeological features, it is evident that the structure of the horizontal or vertical distribution of fndings in their flls can yield information about the creation of the fnding assemblages. It also refects the dynamics of the development of anthropogenic activities in the vicinity of the features. In terms of methodology, the work follows up on the general theory of formative processes, while their natural and cultural transformations are discussed at a more detailed level of specifc forms. It is necessary to consistently distinguish between the behaviour of clay sediments and the actual artefacts stored therein. It is further necessary to individually evaluate the specifc natural conditions of deposition at a specifc site as well as the variable cultural roles of individual features.
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 30 were interfering with this large enclosure in its southern part (Figure 2). The entire course of both rondels determined geophysically (Mayer, 1995; Křivánek, 2015) pointed to a close spatial relationship between these two bodies, as on Site I in Kolín (Šumberová, ed., 2012; Řídký et al. , 2014; 2019).Large-scale excavation of the ditches in Bylany did not take place until 1990–1993. The goal of the grant project was to explore rondel 4/1 and its chronological and cultural relationship with the local settlement and the biritual cemetery of the Stroked Pottery culture in Miskovice. The research focused on several key areas of the rondel site 1 and was supervised by several experts 2 . The results of the project were subsequently published, with each of the co-authors separately addressing the issue of the functional interpretation of the rondel (Pavlů, Rulf, Zápotocká, 1995, pp.97–98). Interpretation of the rondel phenomenon still 1 The individual excavated areas in the Bylany 4 microarea are identifed in the following manner: 1991 – excavation in the southern entrance of Rondel 4/1, 1992a – excavation in the western part of the large enclosure (feature 1830), 1992b – excavation in the western entrance of Rondel 4/1, 1993 – excavation at the northern edge of the microarea. 2 I. Pavlů, (+) J. Rulf and M. Zápotocká cooperated in 1991 and 1992a areas. The research in 1992b and 1993 areas was led by (+) M. Midgley together with students from the University of Edinburgh. In 1991, the probe excavation in the B-J/6 sectors was carried out by A. Reinhardt (senior student of University in Saarbrücken). remains a discussed issue, most recently summed up by J. Řídký (2011; 2019) and H. Stäuble (2012). Regarding this, however, there is also scepticism on principle from some of the researchers (Trnka, 1991, p.318). The actual publication of the rondel in Bylany focused on issues arising from the research project, such as clarifying the construction of the rondel and its relation to the surrounding settlement and burial ground. Set aside for then was the publication of settlement features outside of the rondel and also a more detailed description of the fllings of ditches, their chronology, and other contexts of the rondel. Some partial questions were tackled by other studies, such as the placement of specifc fnds of grinding tools at the entrance to rondel 4/1 (Pavlů, 1990), or suggestions for new directions of interpretation (Květina, 2010; Květina, Končelová, 2013a; 2013b). The information obtained by the current research in Bylany 4 microarea has not been exhausted. A number of questions related to the three distinct areas (not only spatially but also functionally), encourages the search for answers to the importance of this area during the Late Neolithic (according to Czech periodization). 2. Determination of the Horizontal and the Vertical Position In the early 1990s, feld excavation methodology was complemented by a consistent inventory of fndings in Figure 1. Settlement microareas in the cadastral area Bylany, near Kutná Hora; those marked red are the areas investigated within the Bylany 4 microarea.
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 31 Figure 2. Microareas Bylany 4 and 1: marked in red are the features that are analysed in this text.
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 32 spatial coordinates over the standard of earlier excavations in Bylany. The microarea Bylany 4 was divided 3 into 15×15 m square sectors (Figure 2), within which excavations were carried-out using an even more detailed square network of 1×1 m. Findings were recorded in these smaller quadrants and were numbered separately within the detailed Cartesian coordinates (x, y) of each sector, from its origin at the southwest corner. The fndings from the features were identifed both, by the sector and the quadrant, or by an even more detailed specifcation of the coordinates from the defned beginning. For example, part of the fndings from the sediments of the large-scale enclosure (feature 1830) on area 1992a is identifed as: C10 (sector) and x = 02/y = 09 (quadrants).The third (vertical) coordinate was based on continuous levelling of the area surveyed. In 1991, the absolute height of the point selected near the feature under investigation was derived from the altitude of the basic point of the sectoral network (314.25 m above sea level). Using this information, the depth of excavated sediments and fnds located in them was measured and marked on a scale of, for example, +/–10 cm. This relative depth, which is individual for each feature examined, was recorded as the third dimension of the fndings 4 .The methodology described enables one to work with fnding assemblages, arranged as they are in accordance with the quadrants of investigated sediments of size 100×100×10 cm. Later attempts to record three coordinates immediately for each individual fnd during the research of Neolithic features proved to be very impractical (Květina, 2005, p.12), especially in terms of time consumption. On a diferent occasion, during the research in Bylany, a method of exploration of Neolithic sediments in more detailed mechanical blocks of 30×30×10 cm was tested, based on which, for example, pottery fragments in Neolithic pits can be spatially identifed in a sufcient manner and the way in which the pits were inflled can be monitored (Květina, Končelová, 2011, p.59). Yet this method of excavation can be implemented only selectively, and it does not readily enable its broader application during conventional rescue excavations. The chosen method of research in the Bylany 4 microarea, using a detailed record of fndings in a square network, has proved to be particularly useful for large-scale features, enabling a more accurate localisation of individual fndings within them. In this manner, fnding assemblages can be subsequently broken down in accordance with the individual parts of features. 3 The network was set up as a detailed projection of the basic map structure in the area of the Czech Republic. The starting point for the Bylany 4 microarea has S-JTSK Krovak (East/North) coordinates X=–687 625 a Y=–1 067 000 (Pavlů, Rulf and Zápotocká, 1995, Figure 2). 4 In the Bylany database (Květina and Pavlů, 2007), this auxiliary marking is referred to as the mechanical layer. In addition, in some cases, the term natural layer was introduced, which denoted naturally-stratifed sediments in the profles and it was coded as 001, 002, etc. All information about the depth of deposition of the fndings in this work is translated into dimensions in absolute values, i.e. to metres above sea level (MASL). 3. Chronology and Interpretation of Features The existing chronology of the settlement in Bylany is based on the evaluation of quantitative shares of the technique for producing the linear decoration in fnding assemblages of pottery, which originate from building pits adjacent to Neolithic longhouses. Based on the number of vessel units 5 (not just fragments) in the building pit, their characteristics and chronological evaluation were assessed. To identify the entire space-time development of the settlement, a higher fnding unit, comprising a ground plan of a longhouse and adjacent building pits, referred to as house complex, was established (Soudský, 1966, p.33; Soudský, Pavlů, 1972, p.318 ).The distribution of fnds in the flls of settlement features in the Bylany site has been addressed in a work that mainly monitored the mechanism of the flling of the features (Květina, Končelová, 2011, p.64). This detailed analysis of the flling of one feature showed that pottery fragments were concentrated in the direction of the natural flling of the open pit. This type of infll process followed the natural slope in which the feature was recessed. Already during the latest synthesis of the Bylany chronology (Pavlů, Rulf, Zápotocká, 1986), and in subsequent works (Pavlů, 2000; 2010; 2014), we hypothesised that fnding assemblages that originate from features with the same history of function and formative processes would be disturbed by interfering factors on a mutually comparable, yet unknown scale. For this reason we worked only with building pits during the creation of the settlement chronology, on the proviso that other assemblages, for example, from clay-pits, silos, ovens, etc., would have behaved diferently. The interest in similar assemblage analyses has recently focused on fllings of the rondel ditches, which are probably characterised by the specifc conditions of formation and function, and also of formative and post-deposition processes (Lisá et al. , 2013; Řídký et al. , 2014). Some formal characteristics of fnding assemblages, such as weight, density and size of the fragments in their horizontal and vertical distribution, and also refts across the entire vertical section were observed. An important contribution to this study was represented by the results of radiocarbon data, which were systematically arranged in the vertical sequence of fll. A signifcantly-reversed time stratigraphy was observed in one of the ditches (feature 3) in Kolín Site I, which indicated the specifcs of the formative processes associated with rondels (Řídký et al. , 2014, pp.593–594). As a result, three diferent hypotheses were formulated: 1) the individual remains found in the flling can demonstrate the activities associated with the function of the rondel, 2) the fndings taken from the ditch fll are not related to the ditch function time, and 3) diferent chronological and functional horizons can be observed in the vertical and horizontal parts of the ditches. Stratigraphy of the fll cannot be understood 5 Considered as a vessel unit are all fragments from one vessel within one feature.
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 33 as intact geological strata, but as a refection of both cultural and natural processes in the vicinity of the feature. Although the actual sediment has been deposited gradually, it is not possible to automatically derive a chronological sequence of archaeological content from it, but only a sequence of its depositing. Based on the diferent structures of the flls of archaeological features, we infer that the structure of the horizontal or vertical distribution of fndings in their flls can, when respecting all the circumstances, yield information about the creation of fnding assemblages and that it also refects the dynamics of the development of anthropogenic activities in their vicinity, although during a period when the feature had already lost its primary function. There is, however, an entirely opposite view: “…attempts to explain the mechanisms of the inflling of settlement pits by monitoring the changes of cultural content in the mechanical layers of their fllings seem rather as an expression of a methodical quandary... ” (Vencl, 2001, p.606). Such an approach would totally exclude the work with settlement assemblages and it would mean resignation to the identifcation of settlement sites that are generally examined in this way (for more, see Kuna, Němcová et al. , 2012).Based on past experience, we have attempted to monitor the distribution of vessel units and non-pottery fnds in the flls of sunken features that we have divided in accordance with diferent types of their forms and functions. These are mainly the settlement pits and part of the rondel ditches that have been excavated so far in Bylany 4 on section S, and in one case in Bylany 1 microarea in the B2004 plot (Figure 2). In most cases, it was possible to qualitatively separate pottery of the early LBK (code 21), classic LBK (code 22) and Stroked Pottery culture (code 26) in the flls of the selected features. If this was not possible, we identifed the fndings generally as Neolithic (code 20). Non-pottery artefacts were also considered in the categories of stone industry and daub. Here we assume that, due to its signifcantly greater weight, the presence of the stone industry is not afected to such an extent by runof, but it rather indicates intentional deposition. The sources are based on the completion of the Bylany database for the large-scale excavation from 1990–1993 and from the 2004 rescue excavation 6 . 4. Methodology of analysis of archaeological assemblages Features were selected from the rondel area in Section S (Bylany 4) and one detailed excavated feature from the area B2004 (Bylany 1). Selection criteria consisted of their mutual functional diferences and the sufcient presence of 6 The 1953–1967 research fndings database contains ca. 90,000 records, while a portion of 1990–1993 has expanded this database by another 30,000 records. The 2004 rescue excavation has added more than one thousand records to the database. Pottery represents about 70–80% of records in the database. In this work, we work with selected pottery assemblages. A complete publication of all S-section features is being prepared. archaeological material in their fllings ( cf. Rulf, 1991; 1993; Stäuble, 1997); thus were chosen settlement pits, rondel ditches and an enclosure. From the beginning we asked ourselves whether the vertical structure of the deposition of pottery sherds and non-pottery fnds is identical in all the features and their sediments and which conditions may have afected them. The aim was an attempt to interpret the nature of the extinction or emergence of flls. The assumption was that the way the backfll was created and the distribution of fnds in it could indicate what had happened in the specifc area at the conclusion of the function of individual features.The vertical structure of the archaeological fnds deposited in the sediments of various sunken features was monitored in terms of fve attributes. The frst was the absolute number of culturally-diferentiated vessel units 7 , the second one the size of fragments 8 and the third the index of fragmentation 9 . In addition, the distribution of non-pottery fndings, those of the stone industry and daub separately as four and fve, was also monitored 10 . All these attributes were enumerated separately for each layer.In the frst step, using line graphs, we assessed the fndings in accordance with the aggregate values of the selected features (mean values and percentages) in the layer. To explain the saturation of the layers we used a linear line graph, illustrating the course of the variation of the character values (y-axis, in Figures 4–6 and 10–12) arranged in accordance with the absolute depths of the artifcial horizons (x-axis). The curves clearly show the trends of these characters and can be easily compared. As an alternative to the observation of the monitored values, we used a linear cumulative graph, the rising curve of which, in its direction from the lowest level, better expresses the development trends that can show a sharp increase, slight stagnation or smooth increase in a selected character. Both variants of displaying the variable values of the monitored characters provide possible approaches to the interpretation of these data sets (Figures 4–6, 10–12).Another method of grasping the observed attributes was use of the statistical options of a box-plot graph (Tukey, 1977). Thus, in a second step, we monitored the extent of the horizontal parts of the sediments using box-plot graphs. These indicate the main values of the size (weight) of elements in each set – layer: median (Q0.5), quartile Q0.25 and quartile Q0.75. In addition to the defnition of quartile span using a box, the range of the lowest and highest values (1.5 times the IQR – Inter-Quartile Range ) is expressed by whiskers and outliers exceeding these limits displayed by 7 % of LBK (SBK) – the index shows in which proportion of units the specifc pottery is vertically distributed in a given profle. 8 Mean of weight – the index shows at what average size (presented by weight) the pottery units are distributed in each layer. 9 Frg of pottery unit – specifes the average number of fragments per unit in a specifc layer (Pavlů 2010, p.24). 10 % of DAUB. % of STONE – the index shows in which proportion of the weight the stone industry and daub (separately) are vertically distributed in the layers of the entire profle.
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 34 individual points. The sets were compared in accordance with statistics given by the size of the elements in separate sets of four categories of artefacts: linear pottery, stroked pottery, stone industry and daub. We consider the weight to be a good estimate of the size of the elements in terms of their deposition history; for pottery, they are units, i.e. all fragments from one vessel, while for other fndings it is the weight of individual pieces. This statistical approach to data (Figures 7–8, 13–15) was tested on two settlement features (1783, 1930, Figure 7–8) and on selected parts of ditches (1728, 1745 and 1830, Figure 13–15). We use box-plots for the detailed characterisation of the entire fle at each level, while line graphs are used for the overall characterisation of average character values. Line graphs better refect the overall average trend, while box-plot graphs encompass all characteristics of the statistical distribution.The vertical sequence of the observed formative properties of the artefacts corresponds to the time sequence of flling the sunken features. In this sense, the stratigraphy of the sediment itself is preserved. On the other hand, the stratigraphy of the cultural properties of artefacts, such as their dating, is not guaranteed. Previous results of stratifed radiocarbon samples have shown that the content of sediments can be stored irregularly, or even in reverse order, in terms of time (Řídký et al. , 2014). 5. The Vertical Structure of fnds in Settlement Features Seven settlement features were analysed (Figures 2, 3). The selection criteria consisted both in the quantitative representation of pottery content and in its nature, i.e. features purely with LBK pottery (1916, 1930, 1935, 1936), purely SBK pottery (2385) and with mixed content (1940, 1783), which, however, could still be dated precisely on the basis of deposition and pottery ratio. We chose feature No. 2385 from the Bylany 1 site because the SBK settlement features from the Bylany 4 site contain a large number of intrusions ( cf. Pavlů, Rulf, Zápotocká, 1995, Table 23) and if they are purely SBK, they do not bear a sufcient amount of pottery in their flling. 5.1 Linear Pottery Culture 5.1.1 Feature 1783 The silo excavated in Section S (Bylany 4) in the K7 sector was investigated in 1991 (Pavlů, Rulf, Zápotocká, 1995, Figure 6). The flling contained an almost identical representation of vessel units with linear decoration (LBK III–IV) and those with stroked-ornamented decoration (SBK IVa1) (Pavlů, Rulf and Zápotocká, 1995, pp.73 and 78, Figures 45–46; cf. also Květina, 2005). It is an irregular oval pit with a cylindrical profle and a narrow mouth in its upper part with a depth of ca. 1.05 m. The sediment of the flling is in the lower broadened part formed by a thick black layer alternately covered with brown and one black layer of clay that does not cover the profle in its entire width. In the upper narrowed part, there are two layers of grey-black and brown-black clay with a roughly equal thickness (Figure 3). The silo is located at the southern entrance to the rondel 4/1 in the area of the inner trench. In accordance with the horizontal stratigraphy it is non-contemporaneous with the rondel and it is classifed in the pre-rondel horizon that is concurrent with the earlier phase of the Miskovice burial ground (Pavlů, Rulf, Zápotocká, 1995, p.48).Pottery (233 units) was analysed in the separated assemblages of LBK and SBK, and also one assemblage of culturally-indistinguished fragments of non-decorated (NO) Neolithic pottery (Figure 4, 7). The majority of LBK units were concentrated in the middle of the sediment, but the heaviest fragments were at the bottom of the flling (Figure 4). The greatest number of SBK units accumulated in the upper part of the feature’s flling, while larger and heavier units were in the bottom part. The maximum fragmentation values for culturally-diferentiated fragments can refer to the origin of the respective part of the fll at that particular chronological horizon. Likewise, their above-average values can lead to the assumption of one-of and time-distant events in regard to the emergence of fll horizons. Non-decorated fragments are irregularly distributed throughout the entire vertical sediment (Figure 7). It is apparent that only culturally-divided sets of data are relevant for the capturing of certain trends in the flling of the feature. Regardless of the cultural classifcation, in terms of the silo flling, it can be generalised that larger and heavier units accumulate just above the bottom. 5.1.2 Feature 1916 A smaller oval pit with a longer axis of ca. 2.0 m is located in Section S (Bylany 4) in its northern part, at the intersection of Sectors H10 and I10. It was partly explored in 1992 by a probe that uncovered its profle with a sloping bottom and a depth of up to 0.60 m. Although it is in the inner space of the 4/1 rondel, it precedes its emergence. Dated to the later stage of LBK (III), there are no longhouse groundplans in its vicinity. At the bottom, it was flled with a thinner layer of black clay with loess and then with a homogeneous dark grey-black clay (Figure 3). The pit was isolated within the examined area.The investigated flling contained 13 LBK units. The amount of pottery in the loess layers above the bottom was minimal and it increased towards the surface in a dark homogeneous layer (Figure 5). In terms of the average weight of the fragments, the larger pieces are found in the lower part of the homogeneous flling and then in its upper part. The upward trend of all the observed attributes, together with the homogeneous flling, enables the interpretation of the flling of the pit as an intentional event from the LBK period that is certainly not related to the construction of the 4/1 rondel. 5.1.3 Feature 1930 A larger oval pit with a longer axis of 5.20 m located in the western part of the C24 sector was investigated in 1993. Its walls slope approximately in the middle of the ground plan to
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 35 0.60 m. It is part of a settlement with at least three explored longhouses, while spatially it can be classifed with house No. 1921. It is dated to the classical stage of LBK (IIa). It was flled with homogeneous black-brown clay (Figure 3). It was located southeast of longhouse 1921 but outside its house complex. Therefore, we consider it isolated.Altogether 62 localised LBK individual pieces were recovered from the investigated pit sediment. The number Figure 3. Profles of settlement features; numbers indicate the flling type (100 – black, 102 – medium black, 103 – dark black, 120 – black-brown, 200 – brown, 202 – medium brown, 203 – dark brown, 210 – brown-black, 230 – brown-grey, 300 – grey, 301 – light-grey, 310 – grey-black, 313 – dark grey-black, 97 – loess).
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 36 of fragments was lowest at the bottom, slightly increasing in the middle part and prevailing in the upper part of the flling (Figure 5). The curve of the pottery weight is totally opposite. This contradictory trend in the various types of artefacts is well illustrated by the graphs of the two methods used (Figures 5, 8). It would mean that these more massive specimens could be related to the concluding period of the use of the feature and that a homogeneous fll containing refts in one layer could indicate a faster and intentional way of inflling. 5.1.4 Feature 1935 A 4.80m-long part of the building pits excavated at the western border of Sector A24 was investigated in 1993. It Figure 4. Line graph and cumulative graph representing selected attributes of the settlement feature No. 1783. x-axis values indicate absolute altitude. Figure 5. Line graph and cumulative graph representing selected attributes of the settlement features Nos. 1916, 1930, 1935 and 1936. x-axis values indicate absolute altitude.
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 37 is dated to the classical stage of LBK (IIa) and apparently belongs to the uncovered complex of a longhouse. It consists of three depressions of 0.5 m, 0.7 m and 0.3 m (from the south), which were uncovered roughly to their halfway points. The middle depression had an oblique recessed layer of black-brown clay at the bottom. The upper parts of all three depressions were flled with homogeneous black clay to a maximum depth of 0.5 m (Figure 3). These building pits could belong to an uncovered longhouse, which can be projected further west of the area under investigation.The examined part of the building pits provided 73 LBK units and 1 fragment dated to the Neolithic period. The number of pottery units in the layers varies signifcantly, with their maximum in the upper part of the flling (Figure 5). The average weight of pottery fndings in the vertical structure also fuctuates, but more markedly than their number. The maximum average weight of units is concentrated in the bottom-most, stratifed part of the sediment. This means that the minima and the maxima of the two followed attributes have the opposite trend. A higher fragmentation value is observed at the bottom of the fll, which probably points to an intentional event. The stone industry curve reaches its maximum in the middle of the fll. Diferent peaks of the monitored attributes are indicative of several deposition events refecting the activities in the vicinity of the longhouse. 5.1.5 Feature 1936 Part of an irregular circular pit with a diameter of ca. 2 m is located in the eastern part of Sector A24, south of building pits 1924. It belongs to the complex of longhouse No. 1922 and it is dated to the classical stage of LBK (IIc). It was examined by the probe in 1993. It had an irregular bottom with a depth of ca. 0.6 m. In its lower part, it was flled with dark brown-black clay. In its upper part, it was covered with black clay, with a submerged thin layer of even darker black clay on top of it (Figure 3). The pit is located on the west side of longhouse 1922 and can belong to its house complex.In sum, 33 units of classic LBK and 1 fragment of early LBK were acquired from the explored part of this feature. The number of vessel units rises slightly from the bottom to the surface of the feature (Figure 5). The minimum average pottery weight was found at the bottom and in the layer just beneath the surface. This fuctuation in the average weights apparently corresponds to multi-stratifcation of the sediment. The presence of heavier pieces of pottery and of the larger parts of the stone industry assemblage in the lower half of the fll enables an understanding of its emergence as intentional. Similarly understood can be the presence of refts in the upper part of the sediment, i.e. as another intentional deposition. 5.2 Stroked Pottery Culture 5.2.1 Feature 1940 Part of the settlement feature was investigated in 1993 at the southern edge of the area in Sector C24. It points to the settlement continuity of the area, dated to the later stage of SBK (IV), for which, however, there are no groundplans of the longhouses of this period. The uncovered part is 1.12 m wide, its second perpendicular axis is longer and indicates an irregular oval shape, apparently of a silo. Other formal signs also indicate a storage pit: one of the walls is nearly perpendicular to the bottom, while the other runs straight to an almost fat bottom. The flling of the feature is considerably stratifed, brownish (brown-black of varying intensity) in the lower part and grey (grey, brownish and grey-black) in the upper part. The individual layers are interlaced with distinctive layers of charcoals (Figure 3). Figure 6. Line graph and cumulative graph representing selected attributes of the settlement features Nos. 1940 and 2385. x-axis values indicate absolute altitude.
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 38 Figure 7. Boxplots for the settlement feature No. 1783.
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 39 Figure 8. Boxplots for the settlement feature No. 1930.
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 40 A total of 49 units with a 1:2 ratio in favour of SBK pottery were acquired from the explored part of the feature. SBK pottery clearly prevails just above the bottom and its representation upwards decreases (Figure 6). The curve of the pottery weight and percentage representation of LBK pottery has a diferent course than that of SBK. There are minimum LBK fndings (19%) at the bottom with two following peaks: one smaller in the middle part of the flling (25%) and the other, signifcant, in the upper layer (44%). In terms of the average weight of the sherds in individual layers, the heaviest SBK pieces occur just at the bottom and then their weight decreases steadily. The average weight of LBK fragments fuctuates, with the heaviest pieces in the upper layer. This diferent trajectory of the monitored value curves refects the diferent distribution of fnds in layers apparently related to events such as a refuse-disposal mechanism in the area of the settlement. The predominance of SBK pottery above the bottom probably refers to the time of the extinction of the pit, while the predominance of older LBK pottery, together with non-pottery fndings in the higher parts of the fll, refers to another deposition event. 5.2.2 Feature 2385 An irregular circular pit with a diameter of 2.70 m was uncovered during the 2004 research work in Sector KL8 within the expansion of Area B in the Bylany 1 microarea. The settlement pit is dated to the late stage of SBK (V) and is not chronologically unique ( cf. Zápotocká 1975–1976). It had almost vertical walls and a slightly concave bottom (Figure 3). It was flled with two layers of sediment, i.e. dark black earth at the bottom and brown clay in its upper part. It belongs to isolated features within the area surveyed.Altogether 368 units of Late Neolithic non-decorated pottery (SBK) was acquired from its flling, which have already been published with regard to the formative processes of the sediment studied (Květina and Končelová, 2011). The number of SBK fragments fuctuates, with its minimum at the bottom of the feature and the maximum roughly in the middle part of the flling (Figure 6). The average pottery weight in the layers also fuctuates, reaching the minimum in the middle part of the flling and the maximum above the bottom. The results of the observed attributes correspond well with the previously-proposed hypothesis of an intentional deposition cone defned by the location of refts (Květina and Končelová, 2011, Figures 9–10, p.64). 6. The Vertical Structure of fnds in Rondel Ditches and in Outer Enclosure The features with diferent functions are Ditches 1728 and 1745 of Rondel 4/1 and its Outer Enclosure 1830 (Figures 2 and 9) that are dated to the late stage of SBK, specifcally to sub-stage IVa2 (more in Pavlů, Rulf and Zápotocká, 1995, p.121). Ditches 1728 and 1745 are considered to be contemporary and are also chronologically associated with the cremation graves of the Miskovice necropolis. Even though the outer enclosure No. 1830 is dated to the same sub-stage, the pottery from its infll is considered to be somewhat younger than in the case of ditches 1728 and 1745 (Pavlů, Rulf and Zápotocká, 1995, pp.40–44). A considerable number of LBK pottery intrusions in the fll of ditches of Rondel 4/1 and of outer enclosure (Pavlů, Rulf and Zápotocká, 1995, pp.39–44) were up to 1.5 times the number of SBKs. This fact led us to ask several questions. How is pottery refuse represented in the individual layers of ditches? Does the distribution of pottery refuse show any diferences in terms of the chronological classifcation of this pottery? Does the vertical structure of pottery in the ditches difer in any way from the settlement features?For each ditch, one cross-sectional profle was selected at the research site in the vicinity of the southern entrance (Figure 2). In this way, each section included several adjacent 1x1 m quadrants in Sector K6. The selection of quadrants was implemented to enable mutual comparison of the entire profle sections and representative tracking of the distribution of pottery fnds in their flls. Each layer (either mechanical or natural) was converted to absolute height (asl) in accordance with the levelling point in the feld. In each such layer that was indicated by the altitude, the same selected attributes as with the settlement features were observed. 6.1 The Distribution of LBK Pottery in Ditches 6.1.1 Inner Ditch 1728 The inner ditch of Rondel 4/1 was uncovered in the area of the southern and western entrances in the years 1990–1992 by several probes in Sectors K6, L6, L7 and H10. The tip of its profle reached a depth of up to 2.1 m. The bottom part of the flling is considerably stratifed, while the middle and the upper parts form more homogeneous layers (Figure 9). In this case, the vertical distribution of pottery was investigated in four 1-m quadrants (01/12, 02/12, 01/13, 02/13) at a distance of 8 m from the south entrance.LBK pottery is completely missing in the bottom 0.40 m of the tip flling, i.e. up to 313.5 m asl. It increases markedly in the middle part of the ditch flling and sharply decreases at the interface of the middle and upper parts, i.e. at a level of about 314.75 m asl. This fuctuating tendency is evident on the cumulative graph (Figure 10). The curve that expresses the average pottery weight in the layer has a more balanced course, which is well documented by the median and second- and third-quartile values (Figure 13). Signifcantly heavier LBK units are present only in the upper part of the flling. In terms of the increasing proportion of pottery and non-pottery fndings, the middle part of the fll is the richest, which is well illustrated by the cumulative graph curve (Figure 10). There is also a higher fragmentation index. 6.1.2 Outer Ditch 1745 The outer ditch of Rondel 4/1 was explored in the area of the southern and western entrances by several probes in Sectors K5, K6, L5, L6 and G10. The tip of the profle of this ditch reached a depth of 1.8 m. The bottom part of the ditch is also
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 41 considerably stratifed, while the middle and upper parts are created by thicker layers (Figure 9). The vertical distribution of pottery was also investigated in four 1-m quadrants (01/02, 01/03, 02/02, 02/03) at a distance of 12 m from the south entrance.The bottom part of the second ditch, up to 313.15 m asl, is also free of any LBK fndings. The course of the curve that expresses the LBK representation in the layers is relatively constant in comparison to this course in Inner Ditch 1728 (Figure 11). Also, the course of the average pottery weight curve is relatively even Figure 9. Profles of the 4/1 rondel ditches (1728 and 1745) and of the outer enclosure (1830); the numbers indicate the type of the flling (103 – dark black, 121 – light-black-brown, 122 – medium-black-brown, 123 – dark-black-brown, 200 – brown, 202 – medium brown, 203 – dark brown, 210 – brown-black, 211 – light-brown-black, 212 – medium-brown-black, 303 – dark grey, 312 – medium-grey-black, 313 – dark-grey-black, 321 – light-grey-brown, 322 – medium-grey-brown, 700 – white).
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 42 and the box-plot graph provides a similar result (Figure 14). The peak of the amount of pottery in the upper layer, and also higher fragmentation indexes of LBK pottery, suggest an intentional deposition event in this part of the fll. 6.1.3 Outer Enclosure 1830 The later enclosure that surrounds the earlier Rondel 4/1 at a distance of ca. 70 m has a diferent depth of ca. 1.7 m and a trough-shaped profle (Figure 9). Two quadrants (01/01, 01/02) were selected in Sector C10 to examine the distribution of pottery in its fll.The distribution of LBK pottery again indicates its absence in the lower signifcantly-stratifed flling (Figure 12). The maximum amount is present in the middle homogeneous part of the flling and then the percentage of LBK pottery decreases. In terms of the weight median, the LBK set appears constant (Figure 15). The curves that show average pottery weights, index of fragmentation and non-pottery fndings have a very similar trend, which indicates a signifcant deposition event forming the middle of the flling. 6.2 The Distribution of SBK Pottery in Ditches 6.2.1 Inner Ditch 1728 SBK fndings are missing at the bottom tip of the ditch, up to 0.40 m from its bottom, as is the case for LBK (Figure 10). A signifcant increase in the presence of SBK in the middle part of the ditch has then an upward tendency. The heavier SBK units are found at the interface of the lower and middle parts of the flling and then again at the interface of the middle and upper parts. Compared to LBK, the index of fragmentation of SBK pottery is higher in its lower parts. 6.2.2 Outer Ditch 1745 SBK fndings are missing at the bottom tip of the ditch, up to 0.70 m from its bottom, i.e. up to 313.75 m asl (Figure 11). Figure 10. Line graph and cumulative graph representing selected attributes of the rondel ditch No. 1728. Figure 11. Line graph and cumulative graph representing selected attributes of the rondel ditch No. 1745.
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 43 The curve of the numerical representation of SBK pottery increases steadily and reaches its maximum in the upper part of the flling. The course of the curve that shows the average pottery weight has two mild peaks at the interfaces of the layers, i.e. the lower and middle, and the middle and upper ones. At the bottom, as with the inner ditch, there is a higher fragmentation index. In terms of weight medians, the set of SBK pottery in sediments fuctuates more than the LBK (Figure 14). 6.2.3 Outer Enclosure 1830 In terms of the distribution of SBK pottery fnds, External Enclosure 1830 with its concave bottom totally difers from the V- profle Ditches 1728 and 1745 (Figure 9). The structure of the fndings in the enclosure fll shows a rather similar trend as for the settlement features, meaning that the larger and heavier fragments are at the bottom half and smaller pieces towards the surface. 7. Comparison of the results of Neolithic fnds Distribution in Functionally Difering Features The analysis of the structure represented by the pottery material in the flls of selected sections of the two V-profle ditches (1728 and 1745) and of the outer enclosure (1830) shows a diferent distribution of pottery to that of the two Neolithic cultural units. For the settlement features and settlement enclosure, the larger units accumulate at the bottom of the flling while smaller fragments appear more upwards. This would indicate a connection between the heavier units and the period of extinction of individual features and the immediate settlement activity in their surroundings. Smaller and broken pieces in the upper part of the flling are probably the result of a larger chronological hiatus during the inflling of the features. An intrusion of LBK units comes as a result of previous settlement activities, where pottery refuse remained on the surface of the settlement and did not end up in the flling of the features until the SBK period. This fact could be evidenced by the lower average weight of LBK units and also by its lower weight medians.Looking at the range of selected fles statistically in accordance with the values of the median and two quartiles, it is apparent that the median values vary considerably with the stone artefacts and daub. In contrast, in the pottery fles they are more balanced, with the exception of ditch 1745, where they also fuctuate more. The range of sets in accordance with the quartiles varies more or less in all the compared sediments and layers, and there is no uniform model for them. However, layers within each feature separately seem to show some similarities. There is a certain decreasing tendency in the range for non-pottery elements from the bottom of the feature in ditch No. 1728 (Figure 13). Pottery is also more evenly distributed in accordance with the medians and quartiles. For LBK pottery, there are typical outliers in several layers of the entire profle, while for SBK pottery these outliers are more likely to appear only in the lower layers. The sediment excavated from ditch No. 1745 (Figure 14) can be characterised by the large fuctuations in medians, and also by a large statistical range in all horizons and in all categories of artefacts observed. Compared to the sediments from the rondel ditch, the 1830 large enclosure sediments are diferent in all categories (Figure 15). LBK pottery has relatively balanced medians, but also outliers in a number of horizons. SBK pottery shows a declining level in the middle of the flling and is almost absent in the lower and upper parts. Some characteristics can be explained hypothetically by the consequences of diferent sediment-deposition mechanisms. The increased range in weights of artefacts in some parts of the profle is attributed to a more intensive sediment deposition after a certain break, both in intentional and non-intentional ways. The occurrence of outliers is more a consequence of intentional flling. Figure 12. Line graph and cumulative graph representing selected attributes of the enclosure No. 1830.
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 44 Figure 13. Boxplots for the rondel ditch No. 1728.
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 45 Figure 14. Boxplots for the rondel ditch No. 1745.
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 46 Figure 15. Boxplots for the enclosure No. 1830.
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 47 A consistent trend in the distribution of the fndings from the ditches and outer enclosure in Bylany is the absence of pottery in the stratifed bottom part of the flling. This apparently points to its fast inflling, as in the settlement in Kolín and Vchynice (Řídký et al. , 2014; Válek, 2016). Otherwise, the representation of LBK and SBK pottery in the ditch and enclosure flls behaves rather diferently. The representation of LBK units in the ditches slightly fuctuates both numerically and in terms of weight and it probably refects the unknown treatment of older refuse in the SBK settlement. Signifcant peaks of the curves of both values are evident in the upper parts of the ditches, which may suggest intentional levelling. The curves of observed SBK values are more balanced, at least for ditches. They are slightly increasing in the middle part, which could correspond to the documented settlement SBK activities after the ditch disappearance. This would also correspond to a signifcant representation of larger and heavier pieces of pottery in the lower part of the outer enclosure, which is hitherto been understood to be contemporary with the settlement outside Rondel 4/1. 8. Interpretation of Model Situations of Neolithic fnds in flls We intentionally do not use the term closed fnds in the classical sense of a one-of event as understood by S. Vencl (2001) in a study that rehabilitates this term. The involution horizon of settlement features and ditches does not seem to be an event occurring at one point, but we assume that it refects behaviour in a certain “limited” time and space. This means that the flling of the feature can indicate the time horizon along with the events in the vicinity of features under investigation and that the dynamics and the mode of the inflling are refected in the distribution of the fndings in the flling, the character and the number of fragments in individual layers. Given some opinions that fnding assemblages from settlements are useless in terms of the determination of the chronology because they only bring values of “... a pseudo-quantitative series of indicators...” (Vencl, 2001, p.606), our approach was based on the maximum efort to reduce the negative infuence of the basic input factors and on the consistent criticism of sources. It means that the analysis of the structure of pottery and non-pottery fndings in these settlement assemblages was directed with the same efort to utilise the information value of these fndings despite all critical remarks (as e.g. Kuna, Němcová et al. , 2012, p.172). To this end, we explored the distribution of the diferent fndings and their characters in detail in each of the particular levels. Interfering factors that infuence the nature of archaeological sources are represented by diferent circumstances during the inflling of features, such as the infuence of post-deposition processes, the impact of activities carried out in the settlement during the deposition of sediments, the variability of natural processes, and the quality of archaeological research and its processing (Vencl, 2001, p.599). This study on the history and the current use of the term ‘closed fnds’ summarises, in great detail, all the theoretical circumstances related to this issue. However, these theoretical factors and circumstances cannot be determined in advance for a specifc archaeological situation and therefore their impact cannot be eliminated. It is only after the analysis of the composition of the fnding assemblages and their characteristics that presumed factors can sometimes be hypothetically identifed and considered. The author of the study thereby very extensively justifes his critical attitude to the current empirical work with settlement fndings (Vencl, 2001), without regard to any other solutions. While we are aware of these theoretical obstacles, we still consider the results of the empirical analysis of settlement assemblages, at least for the Neolithic period, to be acceptable, especially in terms of chronology ( e.g. Pavlů, 1977; Pavlů, Rulf, Zápotocká, 1986). Although the archaeological content, both in the flling of the ditch and in the settlement pits, is understood to have the lowest predictive value (Vencl, 2001, p.608), numerous analyses of settlement material ( e.g. Pavlů, 2000; 2010; 2014; Květina, Končelová, 2011; 2013a; 2013b; Končelová, 2013; Kuna, Němcová et al. , 2012) show that their results can stand up to the results of others.Previous attempts have been made to systematise the fllings of features on Neolithic settlements in Roztoky (Kuna, 1991, p.39) and in Bylany (Rulf, 1997; Pavlů, 2010); there were also attempts made to interpret them in the sense of a rapid one-time inflling or a natural slow inflling by run-ofs and various layers of refuse. Diferences in the number of fnds in features with homogeneous flling, and in those that are stratifed have not yet been confrmed. We are convinced that our results justify the analysis of the vertical deposition of fnds in the flling of individual features. However, it is necessary to consistently distinguish between the behaviour of the clay sediments and the actual artefacts stored therein. It is necessary to evaluate individually the specifc natural conditions of deposition on a specifc site and the variable cultural role of individual features.So far we have investigated only a relatively small sample of the fllings of sunken features in Bylany. These included seven settlement pits, two rondel ditches and one outer enclosure. Four of the settlement features belonged to the Linear Pottery Culture (1916, 1930, 1935, 1936), one to the Stroked Pottery Culture (2385), and two were features with a mixed content (1940, 1783). Ditches 1728 and 1745 and the outer enclosure belong to the late stage SBK and constitute a functional counterpart to the features with a settlement nature.The cases that have been examined so far suggest various models of the vertical structure of distribution of Neolithic pottery in pit sediments (Figures 4–8). The frst model is characterised by the variations in both the number and average pottery weight in the layers, by the maximum values in the middle of the flling, or in its bottom part, and by the decrease in the values towards the surface of the features (1916, 1930, 1935). The curves of the two observed values
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 48 are not entirely parallel or are, in some cases, opposite or slightly shifted. These values in the case of the second model also fuctuate, but are signifcantly higher at the bottom of the features or in their lower parts (features 1936, 2385). The frst model was more frequent in our sample of pits than the second one.Silo 1783 contained roughly the same proportion of LBK and SBK. The results for chronologically-older pottery show a vertical structure of distribution that signifcantly fuctuates with a maximum representation in the middle of the flling and with the heaviest units at the bottom. The fuctuation of values would correspond to the frst case. At the same time, the course of both criteria does not show much overlap. The Stroked pottery shows an elevated average weight in the bottom of the flling, a sharp drop in the middle part and a steep rise towards the upper part of the flling. This could partially correspond to the second case. As with the Linear pottery, there is a little concurrence of both criteria. We consider this case as a specifc model in regard to those features with a signifcantly mixed content, which is characterised by a signifcant diference in the behaviour of the percentage of pottery and its average weight in individual layers. The behaviour of two pottery assemblages in Feature 1940 also difers. The Linear admixture in the section varies both in numerical and size terms and the content of Stroked pottery greatly increases towards the bottom. The curve of non-pottery fndings has the opposite trend.The frst case (features 1916, 1930, 1935) is explained as inorganic inflling of abandoned features. The formation of their fllings is understood as the gradual and natural accumulation of layers of clay with the settlement refuse from the surrounding area, which, however, does not have to be fully evident in the section. The feature profles comprise thicker layers or a homogeneous bottom layer that is sometimes formed by thinner layers. Individual horizons could be formed indefnitely and with breaks. The second case is considered to be the result of the intentional inflling of the pits (feature 1936, 2385). Larger fragments from refuse corresponding to the original function of the pit thereby reached the bottommost layers. Their profles are made up from more structured flls, but these layering diferences cannot be further specifed.Features with a culturally-mixed content manifest either a completely diferent distribution pattern of chronologically-diferent fragments in their profles (1940), or a very irregular and rather contradictory distribution of chronologically- diferent fragments (1783). This applies both to the numeric representation in the layers and to the second monitored characteristic of the average fragment weight. In such cases, these are features with a distinctly inhomogeneous and highly stratifed flling.If we compare the distribution of fnds in the settlement pits and ditches, we observe an opposite trend. At the bottom in the fll of SBK settlement features (1940, 2385) there are larger fragments and their size decreases upwards, which would indicate their long-term opening within the settlement. The fndings are usually missing in the lower parts of ditch infllings in the case of Bylany, and the same is true in the Kolín and Vchynice sites (Řídký et al. , 2014, p.590). 9. Mapping of Pottery Refts The recognition of potsherd refts plays an essential role in monitoring the distribution of fnds in the flling of features. It is their distribution in the flling of features that is an important indicator of how the feature has been flled. Refts are seen as a set of fragments from one vessel. In the traditional archaeological concept, they are seen as directly rejoinable ceramic fragments; however, in a broader semantic sense, they can be seen as fragments that are not physically rejoinable but exhibit the same formal and technological characteristics (more in Bollong, 1994). As already mentioned, the precise spatial surveying of individual fragments is a relatively laborious method, but these attempts can bring interesting results from the perspective of deposition processes ( e.g. Květina, Končelová, 2011; Kuna, Němcová et al. , 2012). Thus, a more accessible method of determining how features have been flled is by identifying refts and assessing their distribution in the fll layers. We can assume that a large number of fragments from one vessel in the flling of a feature will represent the result of a specifc deposition event that took place in a short time interval and that the distribution of refts, whether in one layer or across them, refects the way the feature has been flled.In the features studied in this work, the refts usually consisted of non-rejoinable parts, i.e. those which can only be macroscopically assigned to one vessel. There are usually 2–3 pieces (1936, 1745), rarely up to 5 pieces from one vessel (1930, 1935, 1728). The exception is represented by two features (1783 and 2385) that only sporadically contain refts consisting of more than three dozens of fragments (Table 1). There are usually 2–5 cases of refts in the monitored features, while the higher number of refts comes from the settlement features (1783 and 2385) and from the inner ditch (1728). On the other hand, there are also cases where no reft has been found. As in the case of smaller settlement features (1916 and 1940), where the probability of the identifcation of refts is high, while the technical identifcation of refts is more difcult for very large sets, for example, for the external enclosure (1830). We assume that diferences in the occurrence or absence of refts cannot be random and must refect diferent deposition events. The noticeably higher number of refts and their parts in feature No. 1783 points to an intentional deposition event that indicates an intense pre-rondel settlement in the interior of the later 4/1 rondel and is also likely to be afected by the direction of the slope (W-E). The larger number of refts in inner ditch No. 1728 and, on the other hand, the lower number of refts in outer ditch No. 1745, would then point to the contemporary existence of both bodies, or their time sequence in the outward direction, with most of the inner surface fndings ending up in the inner ditch due to the terrain of the slope. At the same time, this fact points to the impossibility of the occurrence of a rampart
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 49 Table 1. Number of refts (∑) of the selected features. “N of reft” mean the number of parts of one reft (min. and max.) in feature and vertical scatter of refts (min. and max.) show the spatial distance of part of one reft in feature (“0” mean that the parts of the reft are in the same layer). FeatureFunctionPeriod ∑ reftsMin. N of reftMax. N of reft Min. vertical scatterMmax. vertical scatter 1783 silo LBK III–IV8 2 365901916pitLBK III000001930pitLBK IIa5 24 001935building pitLBK IIa 424 30501936pitLBK IIc 222 001940pit SBK IV 000002385silo? SBK V 27 2 330401728 inner ditchSBK IVa2 13 2 50701745 outer ditchSBK IVa2 5 22 0551830 enclosureSBK IVa2 00000 in the interior space. This would prevent such deposition.An important indicator is the spatial distribution of refts (Figure 16). If they are present in one layer, it indicates a one-time event in a horizontal inflling (both intentional and unintentional). However, if their vertical span is larger, it can be concluded that the inflling has a convex shape (intentional) or that parts of one vessel were present in the space around the specifc feature for a longer time and reached the fll within diferent time-separated events (unintentional). Both variants, i.e. within one layer and across them, were observed in our features (Table 1). A specifc example is the detailed localisation of the fnds in feature 2385, which enabled the tracing of the exact position of refts in the fll (Květina and Končelová, 2011, Figures 9 and 10). It turned out that in one case the position of refts created an imaginary cone. The situation was interpreted as a deposition of refuse, the individual fragments of the vessel being dispersed on the “sides” of the “cone” and thus indicating intentional and one-way anthropogenic activity. Another feature (1930) with a homogeneous flling and a larger number of refts indicates a more rapid inflling of the feature in the form of an intentional one-time event in the space of longhouses Nos. 1921 and 1943. Another case is the stratifed character of the fll and the lower number of refts or their absence in features Nos. 1916 and 1940, which may suggest a longer natural inflling of the feature. In these examples – 1930, 1936, 1940 – in the less exposed area of the settlement (area 1993), it is necessary to emphasise the diversity of the fllings and the representation of refts. The assumption of a diferent way of inflling the feature and the type of its flling corresponds well with the chronology of the specifc features in this area. It would mean that 1930 (LBK IIa) was flled rapidly (homogeneous flling, refts), so as not to interfere in the further utilised space, and the younger feature No. 1940 (SBK IV) was flled naturally and more slowly as a result of a settlement disappearance (stratifed flling, absence of refts). In addition to feature No. 2385, a large vertical span of refts was also recorded in features 1783 and 1728 (Figure 16). In the frst case (1783), 4 refts are documented, including a larger number of pieces (8–36), that extend across the flling of the feature and lead to the presumption of a deliberate disposal of refuse. The absence of Figure 16. Vertical span mean spatial distance of parts of the refts in feature (minimal or maximal). “0” mean that the parts of the reft are in the same layer.
image/svg+xmlIANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51Markéta Končelová, Magdalena Midgley † , Jan Rulf † , Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds in the Fills of Archaeological Features 50 LBK refts, which otherwise slightly prevails as a component in this feature (Pavlů, Rulf, Zápotocká, 1995, Table 22), would rather point to the association of the feature with the SBK period. At the same time, there would be a clear manifestation of intentional deposition of refuse at the period of use of the feature or just after it. A distinctive LBK component would constitute just an earlier intrusion. In the second case, i.e. with inner ditch No. 1728, refts occur in the middle part of the flling. This would suggest that the emergence of this middle part was faster – as well as its lower parts, which, however, lack a more signifcant representation of fnds. 10. Conclusion The detailed representation of the vertical structure of the fndings in the fllings of the sunken features provides an opportunity to observe the variability of the distribution of individual fndings, such as pottery and other artefacts. The content of mechanical horizontal layers can be compared with the actual sediment deposition that has been documented during the research. It is obvious that this is primarily an artifcial stratigraphic structure that emerged as a result of a combination of cultural and natural processes that contributed to the creation of the pit flls. The layering of flls, along with the fuctuations in the number and size of the fnding units, in this case pottery and non-pottery, show diferent events in the vicinity of the features under investigation – and the heterogeneity of the fnding assemblages that were obtained during the research. Therefore, the characteristic layering of fndings in features should be carefully considered when evaluating and interpreting the fnding assemblages from diferent perspectives. For example, larger fnding assemblages could be broken down into chronologically-more-consistent components and then evaluated separately.The hypothetical models presented here are not defnitive. The pilot assemblage of archaeological features from Bylany documents the fact that the fnding assemblages should be further tested in terms of the dynamics of their inflling. Its signifcance would be a more accurate view of the composition of the fnding assemblages – specifcally from the perspective of chronology. Taking into account the distribution of fndings and their properties in the flling of features could – in terms of chronological statistics – form a diferent approach to the grasping of information from fnding assemblages and to the creation of their settlement chronology. 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