On the origin and chronology of the asbestos-tempered pottery with the geometric style of decoration of Vojnavolok type

Abstract

The article presents investigations of the chronology of the Eneolithic asbestos-tempered Ware with the geometric style of decoration (Vojnavolok type) and factors responsible for the massive adoption of asbestos in the ceramic production and exchange in North-Eastern Europe. According to AMS dates, Vojnavolok type is dated to ca. 3500-3300 calBC, while conventional datings made of charcoal samples from dwellings place its existence in the period ca. 3300-3100 calBC. The main component in the appearance of Vojnavolok pottery traditions was the Rhomb-Pit Ware of the Lake Onega region. Basing on our data, it can be proposed that the emergence of the Asbestos Ware with the geometric style of decoration was triggered by the emergence of a new social entity, which consisted of productive units interacting in the sphere of making objects for “prestige” exchange.