At the settlement of Tytkesken-2, the tradition of using hair as an organic additive is mainly associated with ceramics, ornamented with a comb stamp, from horizons 7, 6, 4A and 4. It is established that hair played the role of reinforcement at the molding stage: it was wrapped around the container in the process of creating the hollow body of the vessel. In this case, the method of adding (using) hair is a molding operation that prevents cracking of dishes during manufacturing and drying. It has nothing to do with the composition of molding masses using organic impurities. This is the basic technique of the molding (cultural, ethnographic) tradition of the Neolithic inhabitants of the Tytkesken-2 settlement, which is more or less represented in complexes from the early to the final Neolithic.

Key words: Neolithic, settlement, ceramics, technological technique, artificial additives, molding masses, reinforcing additive, plaited castings, patchwork castings.

Introduction

The problem of reconstructing the technological traditions of ceramic tableware production involves clarifying the functional characteristics of artificial clay additives. This is all the more relevant because in the practice of technological and archaeological research of ancient ceramics, the combination of different recipes (dough with various admixtures) is often understood as a reflection of the processes of cultural mixing [Bobrinsky. 1978; Tsetlin, 1982; et al.]. It has already been noted in the archaeological literature that mixing traditions can only be considered if the molding mass contains additives that functionally duplicate each other (Glushkov, 1996). In this regard, during the technological analysis of ceramics, it is important to establish the nature, as well as the features of the use of additives, their functions at different stages of vessel production.

History of studying the Tytkesken-2 settlement

The Tytkesken-2 settlement was discovered by M. T. Abdulganeev in 1983 [1985, p. 189]. Its total area is approx. 6 000 m2. A. L. Kungurov and N. Yu. Kungurova uncovered approx. 70 m2 settlements [1986]. Stationary excavations of the monument were conducted under the supervision of Yu. F. Kiryushin from 1988 to 1994 [Kiryushin Yu. F., Kiryushin K. Yu., 1993, p. 25; Kiryushin K. Yu., Kiryushin Yu. F., 2008, p. 13]. The entire area under study (more than 1066 m2) was uncovered to alluvium, which is a large rock mass.

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river sand (fractions from 0.05 to 10 mm) with pebble-block material of good roundness. The total thickness of the exposed sediments ranges from 0.45 to 2.6 m (Baryshnikov and Kiryushin, 1990, pp. 26-27).

At the Tytkesken-2 settlement, the layers containing the finds are separated from each other by layers of sand of Aeolian origin. As a result, we have a clear relative chronology for eight cultural horizons over a long period of time from the Late Mesolithic to the Eneolithic. Radiocarbon dates were obtained for three of them. All this makes it possible to construct a periodization of Mesolithic-Eneolithic cultures of the Middle Katun region, whose special value lies in the fact that it is based on materials from one monument, obtained from layers of different times, preserved in a vertical sequence and separated by sterile interlayers. The materials of the settlement under study make it possible to identify trends in the change of stone inventory from the Mesolithic to the Eneolithic; to trace the development of ceramic production from the early Neolithic to the Eneolithic; to determine the criteria for dividing Neolithic complexes from earlier to later. All these circumstances make it possible to classify Tytkesken-2 as one of the most highly informative Mesolithic - Eneolithic sites in Western Siberia. To date, this geoarchaeological complex is unique for Gorny Altai, which gives reason to consider it as the basic one when constructing periodization schemes of the ancient history of the region from the final Mesolithic to the Eneolithic [Kiryushin K. Yu., Kiryushin Yu. F., 2008, p. 113].

For horizons 7, 6, and 4 of the Tytkesken-2 settlement, a series of radiocarbon dates were obtained from animal bones. Their calibration significantly ages the materials from these horizons [Ibid., Table 105]. In this study, we will rely on the traditional chronology, since the comparison of complexes with calibrated dates with those for which they are absent will be taken out of the historical and cultural context. Thus, in our opinion, it is necessary to date:

Horizon 7 - end of VII-beginning of VI millennium BC.;

6-end of VI-first half of V millennium BC.;

5-mid - second half of the fifth millennium BC.;

4A-beginning of the fourth millennium BC.;

4-the second third of the IV millennium BC.

Ceramics with traces of hair

In this paper, we will consider some technological methods for the production of ceramics from the Neolithic horizons of the Tytkesken-2 settlement. To determine the significance of animal hair as a cultural component of a technological tradition, it is important to find out the specifics of its use at different stages of tableware manufacturing.

Ceramics from Horizon 7 are very fragmentary. There is not a single vessel whose shape can be completely reconstructed. However, there are two groups of dishes: 1) thin-walled (wall thickness 2.0 - 2.5 mm), most often unornamented or decorated with rows of pins along the corolla [Kiryushin K. Yu., Kiryushin Yu.F., 2008, p. 32]; 2) ornamented with prints of a small long straight comb stamp (Fig. 1-4). The stamp is very small: in 1 cm 11-12 teeth with a width of less than 1 mm. Because of the fragmentary nature of these ceramics, it is impossible to say something more definite about the features of their ornamentation. Several fragments (see Fig. 3) are from the bottom part of small vessels. The wall thickness of the second group of dishes is 5 - 9 mm.

In the ceramics of the second group, traces of animal hair are clearly recorded along the junctions (see Figs. 1-3). In addition to the horizontal ones, there are junctions with traces of hair that have different orientations (see Fig. 4). This indicates in favor of a patchwork overlay. The rising container was wrapped with hair in the process of forming the vessel. Ceramic is layered over the pores. A negative junction with the groove was found, which suggests the presence of harnesses. At the same time, the previous tourniquet was slightly overdried. Apparently, the molding was carried out on the basis of a tourniquet technique, and the flaps were used to cover up the layers of hair that were wrapped around the vessel at the junctions.

Ceramics from horizon 6 are also fragmentary. It is impossible to completely reconstruct the shape of any vessel. This ceramic complex is also divided into two groups. The first is unornamented dishes or decorated with rows of pins and notches along the corolla [Ibid., p. 41], thin-walled (wall thickness 2.0-2.5 mm). It includes a fragment of the sharp-bottomed bottom. The second group consists of dishes decorated with comb-shaped stamps of different lengths and widths (Figs. 5, 6). The impressions of a short stamp (length 5 mm, width 1 mm) with four teeth [Ibid., Figs. 43, 4] form rows of inclined lines. It is quite possible that this is an imitation of a cord. Prints of longer stamps (length 10-15 mm, width 1.5-2.0 mm) with the number of teeth from 5 to 12 form a series of inclined lines and vertically oriented"herringbone". A long comb stamp (length 30-40 mm, width 2.0-2.5 mm) with 10-12 teeth was also used. The wall thickness of vessels of the second group is 5 - 9 mm.

In the ceramics of the second group, an admixture of animal hair was found, traces of which are clearly recorded in the fractures (see Fig. 5, 2) and along the junctions (see Fig. 6, 2, 3). Prints of entangled and intertwined hairs

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Fig. 1. Ceramics from horizon 7. 1-general view; 2, 3-hair traces in horizontal (2) and vertical (3) fractures.

2. Ceramics from horizon 7. 1-general view; 2-hair traces in the horizontal fracture.

3. Ceramics from horizon 7. 1-general view; 2, 3-hair traces in vertical (2) and horizontal (3) fractures.

4. Ceramics from horizon 7. 1-general view; 2-hair traces in a vertical fracture.

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5. Ceramics from horizon 6. 1-general view; 2-hair traces in the horizontal fracture; 3 - hair imprints on the outer surface.

6. Ceramics from horizon 6. 1-general view; 2, 3-hair traces in horizontal fractures.

7. Ceramics from horizon 6. 1-general view; 2 - hair imprints on the outer surface.

Figure 8. Ceramics from horizon 5. 1-general view; 2-hair traces in a vertical fracture.

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They are observed on the outer surface of a fragment ornamented with a short comb-shaped stamp (see Figs. 5, 3), and a shard of a thick-walled unornamented vessel (Fig. 7).

In the materials of the stratified part of horizon 5, fragments of at least four vessels are presented. The shape of three of them is being partially reconstructed. Ceramics from this horizon can also be divided into two groups. The first one is unornamented dishes [Ibid., fig. 48]. The wall thickness is 2 - 5 mm. The shape of two vessels in this group can be partially reconstructed. They have a height greater than the diameter, the body is wider than the neck. The transitions from the body to the neck and to the bottom are smooth. Apparently, all vessels of this group have a sharp-bottomed or turnip-shaped bottom (Figs. 8, 1). In the vertical fractures in the bottom part, tubules are traced from individual hairs that are not grouped into bundles (Figs. 8, 2). No traces of hair were found in the trunk.

The second group includes fragments of one vessel [Ibid., Fig. 49]. In terms of ornamentation, it is very different from all the ceramics found in the settlement. The ornamental composition consists of vertical zigzag and wavy lines arranged asymmetrically. Sometimes they overlap. The lines vary in length and width. The length of the bending step in some cases is the same, in others it gradually decreases in the direction from the corolla to the bottom part. A smooth curve and a sharp angle are combined. All this adds dynamism to the composition. On the corolla there is a thickening, dissected on both sides by notches. Despite the large number of fragments of this vessel, the shape could not be fully restored. Most likely, it is the same as the dishes of the first group of this complex.

Fragments of at least six vessels were found in horizon 4A. The shape of one of them is being reconstructed almost completely, and three - partially. Ceramics are divided into unornamented and ornamented. The first one is very fragmentary. Nevertheless, the shape of one vessel in this group was partially reconstructed [Ibid., Fig. 63, 2]. The high vertical corolla smoothly merges into the body, which is wider than the neck. For vessels of this group, notches along the corolla are characteristic. The thickness of some fragments is 2.0 - 2.5 mm.

The second group includes ceramics decorated with a long (from 2 to 4 cm) combed stamp. It is represented by fragments of three vessels, one of which is almost completely restored (Fig. 9), and we can examine its ornamentation in detail (Fig.. 10, 7; 11, 1; 12, 1). The vessel is elongated, its height is almost 2 times the diameter of the body. The high corolla is slightly bent outward. It smoothly passes into the torso, the diameter of which at-

9. Reconstruction of the vessel from horizon 4A.

10. Ceramics from horizon 4A. 1-general view; 2-hair traces in the vertical fracture; 3 - hair imprints on the inner surface.

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11. Ceramics from horizon 4A. 1-general view; 2-hair traces in the vertical fracture.

12. Ceramics from horizon 4A. 1-general view; 2-4 - hair imprints on the outer surface.

measured 1.5 times more than the corolla. The body smoothly passes into the bottom part. The bottom is missing, but most likely it is maneuverable. The ornamental field is divided into several zones. One half of the corolla is decorated with vertical, slightly inclined prints of a comb stamp, the other-horizontal. The upper part of the body is decorated with rows of "herringbone", which smoothly turns into a "walking comb", the middle-a grid, the lower-a "herringbone". Ornamental zones are emphasized by triple horizontal lines formed by stamp impressions. When forming the vessel, hair was used, although there are very few traces of it on the inner (see Figures 10, 3) and outer (see Figures 12, 2 - 4) surfaces. Tubules from the hairs are fixed in the fractures (see Fig. 10, 2) and on the junctions (see Fig. 11, 2).

Fragments of two other vessels of this group (Figs. 13, 14) are also decorated with a long comb-shaped stamp, only not straight, but slightly curved. The footprints of the walking comb are oriented vertically with a slight slope (Fig. 13,7). Sometimes their rows overlap a little (see Figs. 14, 1). The fragments clearly show traces of hair (see Figures 13,2-6; 14,3), especially in the longitudinal fractures. Their nature and location allow us to assume some features of the molding of the sosu-

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13. Ceramics from horizon 4A. 1-general view; 2, 3-hair traces in horizontal fractures; 4-6-traces of stratification along junctions (horizontal fractures).

14. Ceramics from horizon 4A. 1-general view; 2-traces of stratification along the junctions; 3 - traces of hair in the horizontal fracture.

hair removal and use. This ceramic is characterized by stratification by hair impressions. The prints are not disordered, but are clearly oriented horizontally (Fig. 13, 2-6). Since there are no traces of hair on the outer surface, they are poorly read on the inner surface, but they are well represented on the joints and are oriented mainly horizontally, it can be reasonably assumed that the hair was not added to the dough, such as straw, fluff, droppings, etc., but it was wrapped around the vessel after each application and crushing of the bundles (see Fig .13, 4-6). With this method of using the hair, it is practically invisible on the inner surface.

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15. Ceramics from horizon 4. 1-general view; 2-hair traces in the horizontal fracture; 3 - hair imprints on the outer surface.

16. Ceramics from horizon 4. 1-general view; 2-hair traces in the horizontal fracture.

Figure 1-7. Ceramics from horizon 4. 1-general view; 2-hair traces in a vertical fracture; 3 - hair imprints on the outer surface.

and external surfaces of the vessel, but it is well read at the junctions (see fig. 13, 4 - 6; 14, 2).

Fragments of at least 11 vessels were found in horizon 4. The shape of three of them can be partially reconstructed. Ceramics are divided into two groups - unornamented and ornamented. In the second group, two subgroups are distinguished by the technique of ornamentation [Ibid., pp. 55-56; Fig. 79, 1, 2; 80]. Unornamented dishes have a wall thickness of 10 - 12 mm, in the bottom part - 15 - 20 mm. The shape of three vessels of this group has been partially reconstructed. The height is equal to the diameter or slightly larger. The high corolla is bent outward and smoothly passes into the body, which is wider than the neck. Transition to the bottom too

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smooth. Apparently, most vessels of this group have a rounded bottom. The corolla in one case is dissected by notches on both sides, in the other-decorated with indentations [Ibid., Fig. 79, 1, 2; 80, 1].

Despite the large number of fragments of ornamental ceramics [Ibid., Fig. 78; 79, 3-11], it was not possible to restore the shape of the vessels of the second group. Differences in the technique of ornamentation of dishes allowed us to distinguish two subgroups. The first one consists of ceramics decorated with a comb stamp (Figs. 15-17). It is presented very fragmentary. However, we can draw several conclusions about the features of ornamentation. A short (12 mm long) slightly curved stamp was used, and longer (2 to 3 cm long) straight and slightly curved stamps were used. Apparently, the decor consisted of rows of "Christmas trees", which were divided into zones by horizontal lines formed by stamp prints. A similar construction of the ornament is found on ceramics from horizon 4A. Several fragments are decorated with horizontal rows of "walking combs" (see Figs. 15, 16). Judging by the fragment of the bottom (see Fig. 15), the ceramics of this subgroup are ostrodon. Hair was used for molding. There are few fractures along the junctions (see Fig. 15, 2; 16, 2). Traces of hair can be traced in the fracture of the shard as holes from tubules (see Figs. 17, 2).

The second subgroup consists of ceramics decorated with drawn lines. It is represented by only a few fragments. In one vessel, the high corolla is bent outward and dissected by the sides. It flows smoothly into the torso. All fragments are decorated with rows of vertical drawn lines [Ibid., Fig. 79, 3, 4].

Discussion of the research results

In the West Siberian and Altai materials, such an additive in ceramic dough as wool or hair is recorded quite rarely. O. V. Sofeikov notes the use of wool as an admixture for retreating-knurled ceramics from the Kargat-6 settlement (Baraba) [Sofeikov et al., 1989]. In general, the tradition of adding organic matter to clay in the Trans-Urals and Western Siberia is mostly associated with Boborykin ware, knurled-receding ceramics of the Irtysh and Baraba regions, and the Igrekovskaya Ob region (Glushkov, 1996). Organic admixture is found in Neolithic - early metal comb ceramics, but much less frequently than in the listed ceramics.

Animal hair is recorded as an organic additive in dishes from different layers of the Tytkesken-2 settlement. This tradition is mainly associated with ceramics, decorated with a comb stamp. It is represented in the materials of almost all Neolithic horizons. Hair traces are tubules 0.3 - 0.5 mm wide with an oval bed profile (for comparison: the thickness of coarse sheep hair is 0.1 mm, horse hair is 0.4-0.6 mm). They are located mostly parallel to each other. This suggests the use as an additive to clay is not wool as a tangle of intertwined hairs, but coarse horse-type hair that can be collected in bunches.

The character and location of hair traces on Tytkesken ceramics have clear repeating features.

1. Hair traces are almost completely absent on the inner and outer surfaces of the vessel (exceptions are rare), where individual hair prints are more often traced (see Fig. 12, 3, 4; 15, 3; 17, 3). This can be partly explained by knocking out. But experiments with a molding mass that includes wool have shown that it is almost impossible to remove traces on the surface by knocking them out. They will appear in any case, especially at the stage when the surface is slightly wetted with water or a damp cloth.

2. The tracks are oriented parallel to the horizontal plane. On vertical fractures of shards, tubules are usually represented by holes (see Fig. 1, 3; 8, 2; 17, 2), and on the horizontal ones, numerous clear hair prints are recorded (see Fig. 1, 2; 2, 2; 3, 3; 5, 2; 6, 2, 3; 13, 2, 3; 14, 3).

3. There are special areas where footprints are most pronounced. This is the area of junctions of harnesses. It should be noted that the vessel walls are layered along the junctions, where numerous pores from burnt hair bundles have formed (see Figs. 13, 2-6). The bundle runs parallel to the surface and at an angle to it (see Fig. 3, 2, 3; 4, 2). The stratification of the shard and the gravitation of hair tuft imprints to the junction area are particularly pronounced in the ceramics from horizon 7.

A peculiar set of features associated with the use of hair, suggests the method of application of the latter.

1. The hair was added to the molding mass not at the stage of its composition and kneading. This explains mainly the same orientation of the hair bundles and the ability to gather in bundles, as well as the absence of hair traces on the inner and outer surfaces of the vessel.

2. Judging by the nature of the junctions and stratification along them, the hair was added to the dough, more precisely, already in the vessel wall at the stage of its molding, after the next ring of bundles was applied and unformed. Thus, judging by the horizontal orientation of the tubules from the hairs, it can be assumed that the edge (junction) of each bundle or several was wrapped with hair (horse type?). In this case, they are practically explained

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all features of hair marks recorded on the vessels of the Tytkesken-2 settlement.

What function did organic inclusions in the form of hair perform? Organic impurities can generally be divided into two functional classes: plasticizing and pore-forming [Ibid.]. Wool, hair is a powder-forming additive, which is exactly the function it performs in the finished product. However, the reconstruction of the addition method indicates a different purpose for using the hair. It played the role of reinforcement already at the stage of forming, i.e. the plastic phase of manufacturing the vessel: it was wrapped around the container. And in this case, the method of adding (using) hair is a molding operation that prevents cracking of the vessel during its manufacture and drying (therefore, such a threat was real, and the craftsmen fought it using various auxiliary means). Therefore, it is unlikely that traces of hair are related to the actual impurities.

The method of wrapping the container in the molding process was quite common in the early pottery of Western Siberia. It is recorded in the Kiprin and Igrekov ceramics of the Ob region (a trace in the wall of the potsherd, under the corolla, in the form of a groove from the harness that wrapped the vessel); the Kondinsky era of the early Bronze Age (in the corolla zone on the outer surface of the vessel, there is a groove from the harness that encircled the vessel in a plastic state) [Ibid.]. Some decorative elements of Bronze Age tableware can also be interpreted as an imitation of tying a container.

One of the authors of the article conducted experiments to identify the functional conditionality of binding the vessel in the process of forming using textile materials. Wrapping the molded part of the container performs a reinforcing function, preventing deformation of the plastic material, vertical cracking, which is both the result of drying and "falling apart" of the vessel under its own weight. You do not need to remove the winding after it has fulfilled its purpose. The winding is "plastered" with scraps of additional clay. This is the most effective way to remove numerous traces of vessel binding.

In the collection of comb ceramics from horizon 7 of the Tytkesken-2 settlement, traces of patchwork molding (junctions of various orientations) and signs of harnessing equipment were recorded. The use of this technique and strapping the vessel with hair for reinforcement suggests that the patchwork seal performed the function of" plastering " the external surface, and precisely the external one, since during the manufacture of Tytkesken dishes, the bundles were applied from the outside and the joints were wrapped with hair.

Conclusion

The tradition of forming ceramics, recorded in the settlement of Tytkesken-2, includes a specific technological method of wrapping the container with hair in the process of creating a hollow body of the vessel. This technique has nothing to do with the preparation of molding masses using organic impurities (although it would hardly be legitimate to completely exclude such a function). It is possible that the hair wrapping performed two functions at once-reinforcement during the molding process (the main one) and adding organic additives to the dough in this way (the secondary one). In our opinion, this is the basic method of forming (cultural, ethnographic) traditions of Neolithic inhabitants of the settlement, which is more or less represented in complexes from the early to the final Neolithic.

List of literature

Abdulganeev M. T. Raboty v gornom i lesostepnom Altae [Works in the mountain and forest-steppe Altai]. AO 1983, Moscow: Nauka Publ., 1985, pp. 189-190.

Baryshnikov G. Ya., Kiryushin Yu. F.Geologicheskie i geomorphologicheskie usloviya formirovaniya arkheologicheskogo pamyatela Tytkesken v srednego potok Katun [Geological and geomorphological conditions for the formation of the Tytkesken archaeological site in the middle reaches of the Katun River]. Novosibirsk: Nauka Publ., 1990, pp. 23-30.

Bobrinsky A. A. Goncharstvo Vostochnoi Evropy: Istochniki i metody izucheniya [Pottery of Eastern Europe: Sources and methods of study]. Moscow: Nauka Publ., 1978, 272 p.

Glushkov I. G. Keramika kak arkheologicheskiy istochnik [Ceramics as an archaeological source]. Novosibirsk: IAET SB RAS, 1996, 327 p. (in Russian)

Kiryushin K. Yu., Kiryushin Yu. F.Kul'turno-khronologicheskie kompleksy poseleniya Tytkesken-2 (itogi rabot 1988 - 1994 gg.) [Cultural and chronological complexes of the Tytkesken-2 settlement (results of works in 1988-1994)]. Barnaul: Alt. State University Publ., 2008, 335 p. (in Russian).

Kiryushin Yu. F., Kiryushin K. Yu. New finds of the Late Neolithic era in the Middle Katun region // Protection and study of the Altai cultural heritage. Barnaul: Alt. State University Publ., 1993, part 1, pp. 80-84.

Kungurov A. L., Kungurova N. Yu. Raboty Biiskogo otryada [Works of the Biysk detachment], AO 1984, Moscow: Nauka Publ., 1986, pp. 287-288.

Sofeikov O. V., Savinkina M. A., Lamikhov L. K., Kokaulina E. V. Reconstruction of the technology of ancient ceramics of the Kargat-6 settlement.Metodicheskie problemy arkheologii Sibiri. Novosibirsk: Nauka Publ., 1989, pp. 155-173.

Tsetlin Yu. B. Opyt izucheniya demografii naseleniya epokhi neolita (po dannym tekhnologicheskogo izucheniya keramiki) [Experience in studying the demography of the Neolithic population (according to the technological study of ceramics)].

The article was submitted to the editorial Board on 13.03.12, in the final version-on 06.06.12.

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