Unpublished Portion of the Early Neolithic Ceramic Collection from the Ust-Khaita Site (Southern Angara Region)

The article presents the results of a study of the Early Neolithic ceramic assemblage (8400–6900 cal BP) from the Ust-Khaita multilayered site in the Southern Angara region. This assemblage represents a portion of the collection that was inadvertently omitted from a larger 2019 article dedicated to the publication of Early Neolithic ceramics recovered from the Ust-Khaita excavations in 2000. The site is situated in the middle reaches of the Belaya River, within the territory of the settlement of Mishelevka (Usolsky District, Irkutsk Region). Early Neolithic ceramics are found in layers 5a and 5, with isolated fragments also recorded in layer 4. The omitted component of the collection comprises 137 fragments belonging to 35 vessels. Three ceramic groups have been identified. The first group consists of netimpressed ceramics (17 vessels). The second group, designated as the Khaita type, features cord-impressed decorations and includes 17 vessels, which are further subdivided into four groups based on ornamentation technique. The third group comprises unique ceramics that combine characteristics of the first two groups, providing evidence of synchronicity and interaction between them. This group is represented by a large rim fragment. Additionally, two fragments from two Net-impressed vessels are noteworthy, as they exhibit zigzag marks on their interior surfaces – a feature characteristic of Khaita-type ceramics. Analysis of the Ust-Khaita Early Neolithic ceramic collection reveals specific aspects of vessel production. Both Net-impressed and Khaita-type vessels were manufactured using similar technological approaches. The vessel body was formed from clay slabs using a base mold, likely another vessel. The surface was treated by beating with a mallet wrapped in netting or cord, using an anvil (a fragment or a small vessel), while the rim was shaped and decorated in the final stage. All Khaita-type vessels and some Net-impressed vessels were decorated. At least one Khaita-type vessel was processed using a smooth mallet, and a vessel featuring technical decoration or ornamentation on its base was not employed as a base mold in its production

Ceramic · Excavation · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Archaeology and Rock Art Studies · Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis