EAA 2023: Abstract

The aim of this paper is to test the possible influence of formation processes of the archaeological record on the conception of the chronological development of the LBK (5500-4900 BC) decorative style, using selected features from the site Bylany (Czech Republic) as an example. The development of the LBK chronology has so far been based on the relative representation of individual decorative styles within the house unit. However, the analysis of fragmentation shows that the individual decorative styles do not occur in features in a homogeneous qualitative state, and the formation processes also influence their frequency. The cause may be the different levels of recognisability of the decorative styles, but also the problem of possible non-synchronous filling of the objects. In this sense, the interpretation of the house unit as a chronologically homogeneous complex should also be considered problematic, as the spatial relationship of the pits to the house cannot be unambiguously determined in a high concentration of buildings especially in a long-time occupied settlement. At the same time, the infills of individual features are significantly heterogeneous and cannot be understood as the result of analogous processes. The above-mentioned circumstances thus considerably affect the current understanding of the chronology of LBK in Bohemia and indicate the fundamental importance of formation processes in the study of settlement sites.

Neolithic, LBK, Settlement, Formation processes, Decoration style

Oral presentation

  Abstract (PDF)

Daniel Pilar^1,2

Petr Kvetina¹