Based on the results of our previous, similar (but of different subject) collaboration and exceeding that, the proposal of the bilateral project aims to research the complex topic of the prehistoric long distance trade by archaeometrical and petrological-geochemical investigation of ceramics.

In the framework of our previous collaboration we focused on the investigation of Neolithic (primary Early Neolithic) pottery, their potential raw materials and the characterization of their site specific features in different geographic environments of Hungary. According to our conclusions, Neolithic pottery manufacturing usually is local activity, the potters utilized raw materials (mainly clay paste) deriving from local or near sources. Concerning the tempering material of ceramics, it is more common that components of regional origin were used. However, these raw materials were typically present as elements of the local stone utensils (grinders etc.) of the sites.

Long distance trade of pottery can be hypothesed only for the outstandingly high quality ceramics. Such fineware was investigated in some minor quantity during our previous projects from the Middle Neolithic Bükk Culture. According to the suppositions of previous archaeological arguments, the long distance trade of this special ceramic type is very probable. Detailed archaeometrical (petro-minerological and geochemical) investigation could provide help to decide whether these far occurrences of the Bükk fineware with the same quality, shapes and decorations derived from a certain location (their raw material was the same) or it was the knowledge of the handicraftspersons that was adapted in another cultural region using the local raw materials. In order to answer these questions, the reported “exports” of Bükk fineware will be examined with local pottery and comparative geological samples (local clay/soil) will be collected from selected archaeological sites (suggested: 10 localities, with anaverage of 10 samples/site).

The success of our project is anticipated on the basis of the experience of the participating experts and instrumental analysts on similar archaeological finds. Applying a logical, already traditional methodological procedure we will combine petro-minerological and geochemical investigations (PM, XRD, XRF, PGAA). This method will provide complex information on the material of the pottery (fabric, tempering, micro- and macro-scale mineralogical-chemical composition, etc.). In addition to the efficiency of these methods, the PGAA is an absolutely non-destructive measurement which gives the possibility to analyze non-destructible and valuable objects too. The measuring laboratories are both in Hungary (PM at Eötvös University, XRD at GKKI HAS, PGAA at IKI HAS) and Germany (XRF at University of Tübingen).

As the second part of our project it is another objective to investigate not only the ceramic bodies (clay paste and non-plastic inclusions) but also the surface treatments (paintings, slips, other techniques). To analyze these thin, easily destroyable constituents of pottery it is necessary to involve non-destructive, high resolution methods (Raman, μ-Raman, μ-XRF, FTIR, single crystal X-ray diffractometry) which provide detailed information on these surface occurrences. Investigations of paintings and slips of pottery with such methodology will be unique in the Hungarian ceramic archaeometry. A significant part of these measurements (μ-Raman, μ-XRF, single crystal X-ray diffractometry) will be done in the University of Tόbingen, Germany which combination of the non-destructive analyses will be adapted in the surface layer investigations of pottery first time. The Raman and FTIR spectroscopic measurements will be fulfilled at the KKKI of HAS, Budapest.

As it was already mentioned, the main subject of our research will be the Middle Neolithic Bükk Culture fineware from sites both inside and outside of its cultural territory. In the framework of the project we plan to focus on approx. 10 archaeological sites and an average of 10 ceramic sherds per sites. In order to collect the potential local raw materials, a field trip and sampling will be connected to each site.

During our previous collaboration we already investigated a limited set of Bükk Culture type pottery from four archaeological sites (Aggtelek – Baradla Cave, Felsővadász, Edelény – Borsod – Derékegyháza, Sajószentpéter – Kövecses). We are planning to utilize the gained experiences and data on this project. The concept described in this proposal is also supported by the existing good relations and collaborations with experts of the neighbouring countries (Croatia, Slovakia, Austria). Since some archaeological sites of our interest are in these territories, it is guaranteed to get the required samples (ceramics and clays) from those sites too.

Our aims

(1) to reconsider the distribution map of the Bükk Culture fineware by scientific investigations and to understand better the civilization that produce these archaeological objects by the gained arguments.

(2) to determine and gather those (chemical, physical, petro-mineralogical) characteristics which specifically describe the Bükk Culture fineware using mainly non-destructive methods

(3) to investigate the surface treatments and materials of the Bükk Culture fineware

(4) to deposit all the gained information in a webpage based database with accessibility for all experts interested in the topic