List of issues > «Geoarchaeology, Ethnology, and Anthropology Series». 2025. Vol 52
Variability of the Chemical Composition of Early Neolithic Ceramic Vessels
of the Tunka Valley According to Portable X-ray Fluorescence Analysis
Full text (russian)
Author(s)
I. M. Berdnikov, I. S. Shegutov, N. B. Sokolova
Irkutsk State University, Irkutsk, Russian Federation
Abstract
This article presents the results of portable X-ray fluorescence analysis (pXRF) conducted on a collection of
Early Neolithic ceramics (~8.5–7 ka cal BP) from the Tunka Valley (Southwestern Baikal region). The sample includes
20 vessel fragments from excavations at the Tuyana and Elovka-Nugan 1 sites, located on opposite banks of the Irkut
River, 6 km apart. Measurements were carried out using an Olympus Vanta M portable analyzer on sections of the inner
surface of vessel fragments with the upper layer removed. The pXRF data were analyzed and interpreted using multivariate statistics methods: principal components analysis (PCA), k-means and hierarchical clustering. Various combinations
of elements such as Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr were tested to differentiate the vessels. Ultimately, based on the
analysis of fragments of a single vessel, it was determined that the most suitable combination is Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zr. Despite
the small collection size, it proved to be quite representative for interpreting the results. Comparison of pXRF data with
the morpho-typological features of the ceramic vessels, visual diagnostics of the moulding compounds, and geomorphological characteristics of the sites revealed differences in the chemical composition of the two types of ceramics: Netimpressed and Khaita. It was established that the hunter-gatherers of the Early Neolithic in Tunka Valley occupied different areas, and this is likely related to both the dynamic hydrological regime of the Irkut River and the seasonal selection
of campsites, determined by subsistence strategies. At the Elovka-Nugan 1 site, the bearers of the Net-impressed pottery
tradition exploited several raw material sources. In this case, a certain correlation can be observed between the geochemical characteristics of the pottery and the different areas of the site where archaeological assemblages were recorded
(middle floodplain, high floodplain, high-altitude slope). One Net-impressed vessel from the Tuyana site shows close
chemical similarity to vessels from the Elovka-Nugan 1 site. Two types of raw materials were used for Khaita ceramics,
and one of them stands out from the crowd. It is concluded that at least 8 different groups of hunter-gatherers (apparently
not contemporaneously) inhabited this area, each possessing the traditions of both Khaita and Net-impressed pottery and
exploiting different raw material sources.
About the Authors
Berdnikov Ivan Mikhailovich, Candidate of Sciences (History), Senior Researcher, Deputy Director for Science of Scientific Research Center “Baikal Region”, Irkutsk State University; 1, K. Marx st., Irkutsk, 664003, Russian Federation e-mail: yan-maiski@yandex.ru
Shegutov Ivan Sergeevich, Junior Researcher, Scientific Research Center “Baikal Region”, Irkutsk State University; 1, K. Marx st., Irkutsk, 664003, Russian Federation e-mail: shegutow@gmail.com
Sokolova Natalia Borisovna, Junior Researcher, Scientific Research Center “Baikal Region”, Irkutsk State University; 1, K. Marx st., Irkutsk, 664003, Russian Federation
For citation
Berdnikov I. M., Shegutov I. S., Sokolova N. B. Variability of the Chemical Composition of Early Neolithic Ceramic Vessels of the Tunka Valley
According to Portable X-ray Fluorescence Analysis. Bulletin of the Irkutsk State University. Geoarchaeology, Ethnology, and Anthropology Series. 2025, Vol. 52,
pp. 64–73. https://doi.org/10.26516/2227-2380.2025.52.64 (In Russ.)
Keywords
Baikal-Yenisei Siberia, Tunka Valley, Early Neolithic, pottery, portable X-ray fluorescence analysis.
UDC
902.65(571.53/.55)
DOI
https://doi.org/10.26516/2227-2380.2025.52.64
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