Naslov
“If its quacks like a duck” – interpretation of Late Neolithic site Gorjani Kremenjača, Eastern Croatia

Autori
Šošić Klindžić, Rajna

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Poglavlja u knjigama, znanstveni

Knjiga
Proceedings from the 8th and 9th scientific conference Methodology and Archaeometry

Urednik/ci
Miloglav, Ina

Izdavač
Filozofski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu ; FF Press

Grad
Zagreb

Godina
2022

Raspon stranica
107-119

ISSN
0000-0000

Ključne riječi
Late Neolithic ; Sopot ; Vinča ; settlement layout ; pottery ornaments ; production of archaeological knowledge ; interpretation

Sažetak
This paper examines the role of perception and traditional knowledge in archaeology, using the site of Gorjani Kremenjača in Eastern Croatia as an example. It is argued that traditional typologies are deeply rooted in the production of archaeo-logical knowledge, leaving little room for unbiased site evaluation. The focus is on two main elements that are under a strong influence of perception and traditional knowledge: size and shape, age and “cultural” affiliation. Recent research using satellite imagery and cyclical aerial photography has shown that large late Neolithic settlements are much more fre-quent than previously thought, changing our understanding of average Neolithic settlements. Another focus of the text is the classification of the post-Starčevo period in the area between the Sava and Drava rivers, traditionally referred to as the Sopot culture. The classification is based on the presence of black burnished pottery, biconical shapes and footed vessels at a site, and the division is conveniently placed along the Danube, following the borders of Croatia and Serbia. The authors argue that the division between the Sopot and Vinča cultures is based on convenience and the dominant scientific narra-tive of the period and region. The text also notes that the origin and demise of the Sopot culture are closely intertwined with Vinča culture and the overall proportion of ornamented pottery is very low, making it difficult to define specific site affiliation. I will argue that the process of creating and transforming archaeological knowledge is slow and static, and the site of Gorjani Kremenjača was attributed to the Sopot culture without much reconsideration. Overall, the paper highlights the importance of reflection and challenging traditional knowledge in archaeology.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Arheologija

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