AN ARCHAEOMETRIC STUDY OF THE PREHISTORIC POLISHED STONE TOOLS FROM THE LJUBLJANICA RIVER POLISHED STONE TOOLS FROM THE LJUBLJANICA RIVER
(SLOVENIA) (SLOVENIA)
SUMMARY
SUMMARY – – An ar An archaeometric chaeometric study of study of the prthe prehistoric ehistoric polished stpolished stone tools one tools from from the Ljubthe Ljubljanica ljanica River (SlovRiver (Slovenia)enia)..
The archaeometric aalysis of 31 polished stoe tools from the Ljubljaica River ear the site of Hočevarica is The archaeometric aalysis of 31 polished stoe tools from the Ljubljaica River ear the site of Hočevarica is presented
presented in in this this article. Amongst article. Amongst 20 20 axe axe blades, blades, massive massive sub-rectangular sub-rectangular specimens specimens obtained obtained mainly mainly from from locallocal pyroclastic rocks are the most abundant. One
pyroclastic rocks are the most abundant. One small triangular piece is small triangular piece is made from jade from northwestern Italymade from jade from northwestern Italy. Four. Four of 7 shaft-holed axes are obtained from serpentinite whose probable origin is to be sought in the Hohe Tauern area of 7 shaft-holed axes are obtained from serpentinite whose probable origin is to be sought in the Hohe Tauern area (central Austria).
(central Austria).
RIASSUNTO
RIASSUNTO – – Studio archeometrico degli strumenti in pietra levigata provenienti dal fiume Ljubljanica (Slove-Studio archeometrico degli strumenti in pietra levigata provenienti dal fiume Ljubljanica (Slove-nia)
nia). Questo lavoro riguarda l’analisi archeometrica di 31 strumenti in pietra levigata provenienti dal fiume Ljublja-. Questo lavoro riguarda l’analisi archeometrica di 31 strumenti in pietra levigata provenienti dal fiume
Ljublja-ica presso il sito di Hočevarica. Tra le 20 lame d’ascia raccolte, gli esemplari massicci di forma subrettagolare,
ica presso il sito di Hočevarica. Tra le 20 lame d’ascia raccolte, gli esemplari massicci di forma subrettagolare, ottenuti da rocce locali piroclastiche, sono i più comuni. Un solo piccolo manufatto, di forma triangolare, è stato ottenuti da rocce locali piroclastiche, sono i più comuni. Un solo piccolo manufatto, di forma triangolare, è stato confezionato con giada proveniente dall’Italia nord occidentale. Quattro delle 7 asce forate sono di serpentinite, la confezionato con giada proveniente dall’Italia nord occidentale. Quattro delle 7 asce forate sono di serpentinite, la cui origine è probabilmente da ricercare nell’area degli
cui origine è probabilmente da ricercare nell’area degli Alti Tauri in Austria centrale.Alti Tauri in Austria centrale.
Keywords:
Keywords: Slovenia, Ljubljanica River, Neolithic/Chalcolithic, polished stones, raw material.Slovenia, Ljubljanica River, Neolithic/Chalcolithic, polished stones, raw material.
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION
A few studies have been so far conducted on the stone axes from Slovenia (B
A few studies have been so far conducted on the stone axes from Slovenia (BUSER USER ,, 1980, 1987; L
1980, 1987; LUBŠINAUBŠINA-T-TUŠEK UŠEK , 1993; K , 1993; K AVUR AVUR , 2005), while archaeometrical analyses have, 2005), while archaeometrical analyses have been
been carried carried out out only only in in a a few few cases cases (P(PELOIELOI, 1996-1997; D’A, 1996-1997; D’AMICOMICO et al et al ., 2001). An inter-., 2001). An inter-national research project on
national research project on the greenstone axes from the greenstone axes from Friuli-VFriuli-Venezia Giulia, Slovenia andenezia Giulia, Slovenia and Croatia began in 2004 (M
Croatia began in 2004 (MONTAGNARIONTAGNARI K K OKELJOKELJ et al et al ., 2006), and a ., 2006), and a preliminary report has beenpreliminary report has been
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**∗∗∗∗ Dipartimento di Scienze dell’Antichità, Università degli Studi di Trieste, IDipartimento di Scienze dell’Antichità, Università degli Studi di Trieste, I
**
**** Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Trieste, ITrieste, I
****** Inštitut za Inštitut za arheologijo, Znanstvenoraziskovalnega centra SAZU, Larheologijo, Znanstvenoraziskovalnega centra SAZU, Ljubljana, SIjubljana, SI
recently published (A
recently published (ALBERTILBERTI et al et al ., 2007). The polished stone tools from the Ljubljanica., 2007). The polished stone tools from the Ljubljanica River (Ljubljansko barje) have been briefly taken into
River (Ljubljansko barje) have been briefly taken into consideration. The aim of this paperconsideration. The aim of this paper is to describe the typology of the tools, the
is to describe the typology of the tools, the results of the archaeometrical analyses, and toresults of the archaeometrical analyses, and to discuss their archaeological implications.
discuss their archaeological implications.
THE POLISHED STONES PRIVATE COLLECTION FROM THE LJUBLJANICA THE POLISHED STONES PRIVATE COLLECTION FROM THE LJUBLJANICA RIVER
RIVER
The assemblage is composed of 31 polished stone
The assemblage is composed of 31 polished stone tools found underwater in the tools found underwater in the bed ofbed of Ljubljaica River, close to the site Hočevarica i L
Ljubljaica River, close to the site Hočevarica i Ljubljasko barje (jubljasko barje (VVelušček elušček , 2004a: 53-55), 2004a: 53-55) (fig. 1). They are 7 shaft-holed axes, 20 axe blades, 2 chisels, 1 whetstone and a triangular (fig. 1). They are 7 shaft-holed axes, 20 axe blades, 2 chisels, 1 whetstone and a triangular object whose function is still undefined.
The collection comprises 13 complete tools, 5 proximal and 2
The collection comprises 13 complete tools, 5 proximal and 2 distal fragments. Most ofdistal fragments. Most of them show common typological features: a considerable size, a squared heel, a them show common typological features: a considerable size, a squared heel, a sub-rectan-gular shape and an oval or, more often, rectansub-rectan-gular transverse section (fig. 2, nn. 2-4 and 46;
gular shape and an oval or, more often, rectangular transverse section (fig. 2, nn. 2-4 and 46;
3, nn. 51, 56, 57 and 59). The hammer n. 55 is probably obtained from a broken axe blade 3, nn. 51, 56, 57 and 59). The hammer n. 55 is probably obtained from a broken axe blade (fig. 3). The shape of the axes of
(fig. 3). The shape of the axes of this group does not find this group does not find analogies with that of the polishedanalogies with that of the polished stone tools from northern Italy. In this latter region rectangular axes make their appearance stone tools from northern Italy. In this latter region rectangular axes make their appearance since the
since the Chalcolithic, probaChalcolithic, probably in connecbly in connection with new tion with new handling systems handling systems (D(DEE MMARINISARINIS,, 1996: 176). They are always smaller than
1996: 176). They are always smaller than those from Ljubljanica, which, on the those from Ljubljanica, which, on the other hand,other hand, can be compared with some Slovenian finds (L
can be compared with some Slovenian finds (LUBŠINAUBŠINA-T-TUŠEK UŠEK , 1993: 136: pl. 5, fig. 17; 158:, 1993: 136: pl. 5, fig. 17; 158:
pl. 27, fig. 4).
pl. 27, fig. 4).
Two small axes Two small axes
T
Twowo blades blades have peculiar have peculiar shapes and shapes and very very small dimensions, small dimensions, which which contrast with contrast with thethe characteristics of other tools. One has a flat triangular body with a curved, asymmetrical characteristics of other tools. One has a flat triangular body with a curved, asymmetrical cutting-edge, lateral distinct sides and a sub-rectangular transverse section (fig. 2,
cutting-edge, lateral distinct sides and a sub-rectangular transverse section (fig. 2, n. 7). Then. 7). The surfaces are finely polished except for the lateral sides, which are covered with dense surfaces are finely polished except for the lateral sides, which are covered with dense ham-mering traces. The cutting-edge is sharp and does not show traces of use-wear; only a
mering traces. The cutting-edge is sharp and does not show traces of use-wear; only a smallsmall fracture, 11 mm long, is visible. The other axe blade has a flat, trapezoidal body with a fracture, 11 mm long, is visible. The other axe blade has a flat, trapezoidal body with a curved cutting-edge damaged by use fractures, distinct lateral sides, and a
curved cutting-edge damaged by use fractures, distinct lateral sides, and a rectangular trans-rectangular trans-verse section (fig. 3, unnumbered). The surfaces are well-polished. The first
verse section (fig. 3, unnumbered). The surfaces are well-polished. The first specimen findsspecimen finds parallels in the polis
parallels in the polished stone industries hed stone industries of northern Italyof northern Italy, which are often , which are often obtained from HPobtained from HP metaophiolites from the western Alps (D’A
metaophiolites from the western Alps (D’AMICOMICO et al et al ., 2004; D’A., 2004; D’AMICOMICO, 2005; D’A, 2005; D’AMICOMICO and and SSTARNINITARNINI, 2006; for Friuli-Venezia Giulia see D’A, 2006; for Friuli-Venezia Giulia see D’AMICOMICO et al ., 1997; Pet al ., 1997; PESSINAESSINA and D’A and D’AMICOMICO,, 1999). The second shows an uncommon shape, which probably is due to
1999). The second shows an uncommon shape, which probably is due to the re-utilisation ofthe re-utilisation of a broken tool.
a broken tool.
Two more tools are difficult to define. Number 15 is a carbonatic rock flake with very Two more tools are difficult to define. Number 15 is a carbonatic rock flake with very weathered surfaces (fig. 2). For this reason it is impossible to recognise any technological weathered surfaces (fig. 2). For this reason it is impossible to recognise any technological
Fig. 1
-Fig. 1 - Discovery location of the tools and archaeological sites mentioned in the text (Discovery location of the tools and archaeological sites mentioned in the text (drawing by M. Belak drawing by M. Belak ).).
trace. It is supposed not to be a
trace. It is supposed not to be a tool. Number 44 (fig. 2) has a tool. Number 44 (fig. 2) has a flat sub-trapezoidal body withflat sub-trapezoidal body with distinct edges; the cutting-edge is not sharp and its profile rounded.
distinct edges; the cutting-edge is not sharp and its profile rounded.
Chisels Chisels
Are represented by only 2 tools (fig. 2, n. 45;
Are represented by only 2 tools (fig. 2, n. 45; 3, n. 54). Number 45 has a sub-rectangular3, n. 54). Number 45 has a sub-rectangular massive body with a tapering distal part, an oval transverse section and a squared heel. The massive body with a tapering distal part, an oval transverse section and a squared heel. The cutting-edge is rectilinear and short, with
cutting-edge is rectilinear and short, with use notches. The distal edge is well use notches. The distal edge is well polished, whilepolished, while the other surfaces are covered with hammering traces, except for the heel, which shows a the other surfaces are covered with hammering traces, except for the heel, which shows a glossy surface perhaps due to its utilisation or handling. The chisel n. 54 (fig. 3) is glossy surface perhaps due to its utilisation or handling. The chisel n. 54 (fig. 3) is charac-terised by a sub-trapezoidal massive body tapering from the heel to the
terised by a sub-trapezoidal massive body tapering from the heel to the cutting edge, 25 mmcutting edge, 25 mm long and curved; the heel is sub-rectilinear and the transverse section flat-convex. The long and curved; the heel is sub-rectilinear and the transverse section flat-convex. The sur-faces are well polished. Although the chisels morphology is different from that of the other faces are well polished. Although the chisels morphology is different from that of the other tools, their dimension and raw material recall the main group of axe
tools, their dimension and raw material recall the main group of axe blades.blades.
Shaft-holed axes Shaft-holed axes
This group comprises 7 tools (fig. 4). Two show a narrow, biconvex shape in frontal This group comprises 7 tools (fig. 4). Two show a narrow, biconvex shape in frontal view and a sub-rectangular shape in lateral one. The cutting-edge is
view and a sub-rectangular shape in lateral one. The cutting-edge is curved, when preserved;curved, when preserved;
the hole is located at the proximal
the hole is located at the proximal edge of the axe. All the surfaces are very finely polished;edge of the axe. All the surfaces are very finely polished;
polishing stripes in various direction
polishing stripes in various directions are visible (fig. 4, nn. 9 and 12). s are visible (fig. 4, nn. 9 and 12). The working processThe working process is very accurate. The fragmented axe n. 11 (fig. 4) might be a part of a similar tool, although it is very accurate. The fragmented axe n. 11 (fig. 4) might be a part of a similar tool, although it is somewhat larger than nn. 9 and
is somewhat larger than nn. 9 and 12. This morphology does not recall that 12. This morphology does not recall that of the shaft-holedof the shaft-holed axes from Friuli-V
axes from Friuli-Venezia Giulia collections (enezia Giulia collections (PPELOIELOI, 1996-1997: 124 and , 1996-1997: 124 and 125). A 125). A similar tool,similar tool, probably made
probably made from serpentinite, from serpentinite, was found was found near Töplitsch near Töplitsch in in Carinthia (PCarinthia (PICCOTTINIICCOTTINI, 1977:, 1977:
291; V
291; VAHLKAMPFAHLKAMPF, 1979: 7-8, fig. 1;, 1979: 7-8, fig. 1; VONVON U USLAR SLAR , 1991: 251)., 1991: 251).
The other shaft-holed axes show a considerable morphological variety. Number 1 is The other shaft-holed axes show a considerable morphological variety. Number 1 is complete: in frontal view it shows a bi-convex shape, a flat
complete: in frontal view it shows a bi-convex shape, a flat tapering heel, a symmetric bicon-tapering heel, a symmetric bicon-vex cutting edge and a
vex cutting edge and a medial perforation; in lateral view its medial perforation; in lateral view its shape is sub-rectangular with ashape is sub-rectangular with a curved cutting edge and a squared heel with
curved cutting edge and a squared heel with blunt angles. Its transverse section is sub-rectan-blunt angles. Its transverse section is sub-rectan-gular (fig. 4). The surfaces are polished with
gular (fig. 4). The surfaces are polished with hammering traces not completely erased by thehammering traces not completely erased by the polishing process. The tool n.
polishing process. The tool n. 5 is a 5 is a distal fragment (fig. 4) distal fragment (fig. 4) whose original shape cannot bewhose original shape cannot be identified. In frontal view it
identified. In frontal view it shows curved lateral surfaces and a symmetric biconvex shows curved lateral surfaces and a symmetric biconvex cuttingcutting edge, curved in lateral view. The transverse section is sub-rectangular. All the surfaces are edge, curved in lateral view. The transverse section is sub-rectangular. All the surfaces are very finely polished, and polishing stripes are not visible at a macroscopic level. In frontal very finely polished, and polishing stripes are not visible at a macroscopic level. In frontal view the body of axe n. 8 (fig. 4) is sub-triangular with an irregular heel, curved lateral view the body of axe n. 8 (fig. 4) is sub-triangular with an irregular heel, curved lateral sur-faces and a flat
faces and a flat symmetric cutting edge; the symmetric cutting edge; the transverse section was probably sub-rectangular.transverse section was probably sub-rectangular.
The shapes of these shaft-holed axes do not have precise parallels in
The shapes of these shaft-holed axes do not have precise parallels in the stone artefacts fromthe stone artefacts from other localities. The triangular body
other localities. The triangular body of axe n. of axe n. 8 is very 8 is very common both in common both in Friuli-VFriuli-Venezia Giuliaenezia Giulia (D’A
(D’AMICOMICO et al et al ., 1996: figs. 153-155) and Slovenia (L., 1996: figs. 153-155) and Slovenia (LUBŠINAUBŠINA-T-TUŠEK UŠEK , 1993). The narrow bi-, 1993). The narrow bi-convex body with a central hole of axe n. 1
convex body with a central hole of axe n. 1 is not frequent in the axes from north-eastern Italyis not frequent in the axes from north-eastern Italy (D’A
(D’AMICOMICO et al et al ., 1996: figs. 153-155).., 1996: figs. 153-155).
Number
Number 14 14 (fig. (fig. 4) 4) might might be be an an unfinished unfinished shaft-holed shaft-holed axe, axe, but but this this interpretation interpretation isis uncertain. It is a triangular implement with a small shaft hole near its narrow edge; the uncertain. It is a triangular implement with a small shaft hole near its narrow edge; the trans-verse section is sub-rectangular.
verse section is sub-rectangular. All the surfaces are All the surfaces are covered with fine and dense covered with fine and dense hammeringhammering traces and are unpolished. The largest (cutting) edge
traces and are unpolished. The largest (cutting) edge shows a rounded profile.shows a rounded profile.
3 cm 3 cm
Fig. 2
-Fig. 2 - Axe blades and chisels from the Ljubljanica River (Axe blades and chisels from the Ljubljanica River (drawings by T. Korošecdrawings by T. Korošec).).
3 cm 3 cm
Fig. 3 - Axe blades and chisels from the Ljubljanica River (
Fig. 3 - Axe blades and chisels from the Ljubljanica River (drawings by T. Korošecdrawings by T. Korošec).).
Other tools Other tools
The collection comprises a pierced whetstone with a small bi-pyramidal hole (fig. 5, n.
The collection comprises a pierced whetstone with a small bi-pyramidal hole (fig. 5, n.
13). Another specimen has a triangular shape, with small notches in the central part of the 13). Another specimen has a triangular shape, with small notches in the central part of the edges (fig. 5, n. 60). It might be a
edges (fig. 5, n. 60). It might be a weight.weight.
3 cm 3 cm
Fig. 4 - Shaft-holed axes from the Ljubljanica River (
Fig. 4 - Shaft-holed axes from the Ljubljanica River (drawings by T. Korošecdrawings by T. Korošec).).
Fig. 5 - Triangular object and whetstone from the Ljubljanica River (
Fig. 5 - Triangular object and whetstone from the Ljubljanica River (drawings by T. Korošecdrawings by T. Korošec).).
R
R AWAW MATERIALSMATERIALS ANDAND POSSIBLEPOSSIBLE PROVENANCESPROVENANCES
Analytical methods Analytical methods
All the 31
All the 31 tools have been studied by tools have been studied by non-destructive stereo-microscopic method. Fur-non-destructive stereo-microscopic method. Fur-thermore, a test with 10% solution of hydrochloric acid has been performed on 3 tools. 21 thermore, a test with 10% solution of hydrochloric acid has been performed on 3 tools. 21 specimens have been analysed also through optical polarized-light microscopy (OM) and specimens have been analysed also through optical polarized-light microscopy (OM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to define their
X-ray diffraction (XRD) to define their mineralogical and petrographic features. The surfacemineralogical and petrographic features. The surface of axes number 7 and 9 has been studied by XRD without taking any powder: this method of axes number 7 and 9 has been studied by XRD without taking any powder: this method is adequate if the rocks are homogeneous and fine-grained. The identification of the tools is adequate if the rocks are homogeneous and fine-grained. The identification of the tools analysed only at the stereomicroscope has been possible by comparison with the analysed analysed only at the stereomicroscope has been possible by comparison with the analysed tools.
tools.
Results Results
The lithological composition of the Ljubljanica collection and the analytical methods The lithological composition of the Ljubljanica collection and the analytical methods are summarised in
are summarised in table 1 table 1 belowbelow..
The small axe blade n. 7 is from jade, a raw material available in
The small axe blade n. 7 is from jade, a raw material available in northwestern northwestern ItalyItaly,, as several studies have demonstrated (D’A
as several studies have demonstrated (D’AMICOMICO et al ., 2004; D’Aet al ., 2004; D’AMICOMICO, 2005; D’A, 2005; D’AMICOMICO and and SSTARNINITARNINI, 2006; P, 2006; PÉTREQUINÉTREQUINet al et al ., 2005; 2007).., 2005; 2007).
Most of the polished stone tools (19
Most of the polished stone tools (19 out of 31) were out of 31) were obtained from tuffitic and pyroclas-obtained from tuffitic and pyroclas-tic rocks. The petrographic features (see table 2)
tic rocks. The petrographic features (see table 2) show some relationships. Close similaritiesshow some relationships. Close similarities have been observed between axes 48 and 49, 52 and 60, 54 and 55. This lithology
have been observed between axes 48 and 49, 52 and 60, 54 and 55. This lithology sensu latu sensu latu,, which is present in some 2% of the Slovenian territory, outcrops in the northern part of the which is present in some 2% of the Slovenian territory, outcrops in the northern part of the country between Kranj and Celje (K
country between Kranj and Celje (K OMACOMAC, 2005: fig. 2). The pyroclastic rocks occur in the, 2005: fig. 2). The pyroclastic rocks occur in the middle Triassic formations. According to some authors they are associated with spilite and middle Triassic formations. According to some authors they are associated with spilite and keratophire lithologies (
keratophire lithologies (MMiočiočandand ŽŽ nidarčič nidarčič,, 1983; P 1983; PREMRUREMRU, 1983; D, 1983; DOZETOZET, 2003: 675-677), or, 2003: 675-677), or in Tertiary deposits known as Smerkovac Tertiary (H
in Tertiary deposits known as Smerkovac Tertiary (HANFLANDANFLAND et al et al ., 2004). Axe n. 57 is ., 2004). Axe n. 57 is ob- ob-tained from a spilite with a
tained from a spilite with a hyaloophitic texture. Sericitized 1 to 2 mm-sized plagioclase lathshyaloophitic texture. Sericitized 1 to 2 mm-sized plagioclase laths are set in an altered groundmass of palagonite full of small opaque specks, with a few highly
tained from a spilite with a hyaloophitic texture. Sericitized 1 to 2 mm-sized plagioclase lathshyaloophitic texture. Sericitized 1 to 2 mm-sized plagioclase laths are set in an altered groundmass of palagonite full of small opaque specks, with a few highly