Open AccessBark pitch in the Early Neolithic of Central Europe
Author(s) -
Nadezhda Kotova,
Peter F. Stadler,
Tomasz Goslar
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
sprawozdania archeologiczne
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.221
H-Index - 4
eISSN - 2719-647X
pISSN - 0081-3834
DOI - 10.23858/sa/73.2021.2.2311
Subject(s) - bark (sound) , pottery , beech , archaeology , radiocarbon dating , geography , forestry
The Linear Pottery people in 5670-5000 BC at the Brunn sites in Austria produced birch and beech bark pitches. Big globular vessels and closed high bowls could have been containers for the production and storage of this substance. Miniature vessels with a handle for hanging had contained small portions. Bark pitch as an adhesive for the repair of pottery and in the construction of big idols is also testified, as is the application of this material in decoration of vessels and idols, where bark pitch was a matrix for inlaying with grains or stones and creation of a contrasting black colour in linear ornamentation. Radiocarbon dating of bark pitch now is one of the most reliable materials for age determination of the Neolithic objects.