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Pottery production at Virovitica-Brekinja and the dynamics of transformations in the 6th millennium cal BC Drava region

Traditionally, the earliest Neolithic pottery production along the Drava river is classified as part of the great Early Neolithic realm of south-east Europe, namely the Starčevo culture. However, only a handful of sites were excavated to some extent, and very little data have been published. Recent research suggests profound changes in the material culture of settlements following this initial Neolithic development. Transformations are particularly spectacular in pottery production, both in style and morphology, as well as concerning technology. Our beliefs on spatio-temporal patterns of canonized 6th millennium cal BC pottery styles (Starčevo, Vinča, Ražište, LBK) became more fluid as a consequence of current achievements. Hence, a comprehensive analysis of the related cultural processes cannot be performed without an accurate regional-scale absolute chronology. Some Croatian sites have been dated with AMS measurements recently, and the results of extended dating programmes in neighbouring southern Transdanubia can also serve as a comparable chronological framework. Nonetheless, the number of available data sets is still very limited for decisive contributions to issues such as cultural dynamics and largescale developments. Particular focus of the research is the period broadly between 5500 and 5300 cal BC, more precisely around 5400 cal BC and during the subsequent two to four human generations. The paper provides a site-based analysis of the Virovitica-Brekinja assemblage and a regional survey of mid-6th millennium cal BC transformations in pottery production. Regarding absolute chronology, it aims to discuss the current state of research, weaknesses and perspectives in a larger area that encompasses continental Croatia and the western Carpathian basin. The proposed complex, multi-scale approach is essential for any future model building on the emergence and spread of new practices and their impacts towards and from central Europe.

Drava region ; mid-6th millennium BC ; pottery production ; absolute chronology

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