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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 2018
Accepted: 16
th
July 2019
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/ 10.24916/iansa.2019.1.3
Key words:
Neolithic
Bylany site
circular enclosures
rondels
settlement pits
formation processes
deposition
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.
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Markéta 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.
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Markéta 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.
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Markéta 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.
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Markéta 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.
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Markéta 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
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Markéta 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).
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, 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.
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, Jan Rulf
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, 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.
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, Jan Rulf
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, Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds
in the Fills of Archaeological Features
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Figure 7.
Boxplots for the settlement feature No. 1783.
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, 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.
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, 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
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, 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).
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, 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.
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Markéta 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.
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, Jan Rulf
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, Marie Zápotocká, Ivan Pavlů: The Vertical Structure of Neolithic Finds
in the Fills of Archaeological Features
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Figure 13.
Boxplots for the rondel ditch No. 1728.
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in the Fills of Archaeological Features
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Figure 14.
Boxplots for the rondel ditch No. 1745.
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Figure 15.
Boxplots for the enclosure No. 1830.
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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
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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
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Markéta 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
36590
1916pitLBK III00000
1930pitLBK IIa5
24
00
1935building pitLBK IIa
424
3050
1936pitLBK IIc
222
00
1940pit
SBK IV
00000
2385silo?
SBK V
27
2
33040
1728
inner ditchSBK IVa2
13
2
5070
1745
outer ditchSBK IVa2
5
22
055
1830
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.
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IANSA 2019 ● X/1 ● 29–51
Markéta 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.
Acknowledgements
This article was supported with the institutional support of the
Institute of Archaeology of the CAS, Prague, v. v. i., RVO:
67985912 and the project “Building Structures, Activity
Areas and Site Layouts of the Late Neolithic Settlement Areas
(5000/4900–4500/4400 BC)”, No. 15-16963S, fnanced by
the Czech Science Foundation (GA ČR).
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