Publication details
Stopy na keramice z Hoštic I
| Title in English | Traces on pottery from Hoštice I |
|---|---|
| Authors | |
| Year of publication | 2012 |
| Type | Article in Proceedings |
| Conference | Pohřebiště z období zvoncovitých pohárů na trase dálnice D1 Vyškov – Mořice |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Archaeology, anthropology, ethnology |
| Keywords | Bell Beaker Culture;use wear analysis;pottery |
| Description | The aim of this study was to examine ceramic surfaces found at a Beaker Bell culture site Hoštice I. The ceramic assemblage consisted of 375 vessels that were mostly reconstructed from sherds. The main goal of this study was to search for and evaluate fingerprints preserved on these artifacts. The pot surfaces were also examined for other traces of molding, imprints of plant matter and any diagenetic traces. The procedure consisted of several steps including examination of the ceramic surfaces under lateral lighting, searching for traces, macrophotographic documentation and traceological interpretations. Pot size was a limiting factor for examination under a microscope, but where possible, the pots were examined and photographed using a stereoscopic microscope. Original negatives as well as repositives in plasticine and dental silicon were recorded. Despite all effort, no traces which could be unequivocally identified as finger imprints, or palm imprints with distinguishable epidermal ridges, were found. The absence of finger imprints can be explained by the specific technology that was used – working with moist ceramic matter and conscientious smoothing of surfaces. The most common traces found on the examined pots, including the smoothed surfaces, are traces of burnt plant macroremains, which were usually identified as monocotyledons (e.g. grasses, cereal grasses). Traces were found most frequently on the exterior surfaces of pot bottoms, which was the surface in contact with another hard surface during the molding process. These surfaces are usually rough and possess imprints of stones, plant matter, seeds and in some cases structures, which resemble textiles. Traction lines on pot bottoms are indicative of pot movements during the molding process. Markings of two intersecting lines resembling a cross occasionally appear on some pots indicating additional manipulation during the time between molding and drying. |
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