Neolithic Ceramic Assemblages from the Upper and Middle Kama River: Raw Material Selection, Paste Preparation, and Decoration

Abstract

Two archaeological cultures have been described at the sites on the Upper and Middle Kama in the Neolithic: the Kama culture, marked by ceramics with combed designs, and the Volga-Kama culture, whose distinctive feature is pottery with pricked designs. Vessels of both types sometimes co-occur. We analyze three types of ceramic assemblages depending on decoration: combed, pricked, and mixed. Apart from the morphology of the vessels, we describe their technology, using binocular microscopy, traceology, modeling, and petrographic analysis. As a result, ceramic traditions typical of each group are revealed. The most common temper is grog. Mixed (combed and pricked) decoration testifies to contact between various traditions, evidenced by a smaller proportion of combed designs on grog-tempered pottery. At the middle stage, grog temper associated with pricked designs becomes more common. The blend of traditions is also evidenced by the use of unsanded raw materials in crushed form for the pottery with pricked designs in mixed assemblages, and by the appearance of inward-beveled rims (thickened or not) on vessels with pricked designs. It is attempted to trace the evolution and further spread of various ceramic types.