J 2024

Micro-computed tomography of the fired clay venus of Dolní Věstonice (Czech Republic)

NERUDA, Petr, Petr HAMROZI, Zuzana PATÁKOVÁ, Grzegorz PYKA, František ZELENKA et. al.

Basic information

Original name

Micro-computed tomography of the fired clay venus of Dolní Věstonice (Czech Republic)

Authors

NERUDA, Petr (guarantor), Petr HAMROZI, Zuzana PATÁKOVÁ, Grzegorz PYKA, František ZELENKA, Šárka HLADILOVÁ (203 Czech Republic, belonging to the institution), Martin OLIVA and Eva ORSÁGOVÁ

Edition

Journal of Archaeological Science, Elsevier, 2024, 0305-4403

Other information

Language

English

Type of outcome

Článek v odborném periodiku

Field of Study

10500 1.5. Earth and related environmental sciences

Country of publisher

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Confidentiality degree

není předmětem státního či obchodního tajemství

References:

Impact factor

Impact factor: 2.800 in 2022

Organization unit

Faculty of Science

DOI

UT WoS

001281028700001

Keywords in English

Palaeolithic art; Burnt clay; mu-CT scan; Ceramic composition; Ceramic matrix provenience; Shaping technology; Venus taphonomy; Gravettian

Tags

Tags

International impact, Reviewed
Změněno: 7/10/2024 08:25, doc. Ing. Šárka Hladilová, CSc.

Abstract

V originále

Small figurines made from fired clay belonging to the Gravettian (Pavlovian) culture (30–25 ka cal BP) represent one of the main forms of spectacular Palaeolithic art. The most well-known example is the Venus from Dolní Věstonice I in the Czech Republic, which is the biggest and best-preserved human figurine made from clay. Due to its high cultural value, exploration of the internal structures of this figurine has represented a huge challenge, as only non-destructive methods could be applied. Thanks to tremendous technological advancements, we were able to use high-resolution micro-CT imaging. This imaging revealed the structural compositions of the ceramic paste, the technology of the statuette's shaping procedure, and the taphonomy of this piece of art. We reveal that the ceramic paste was prepared from loess sediment containing stones, microfossils, and carbonate aggregates from the basement complex as an natural admixture. The particles are randomly distributed. We did not find any bones or ivory remnants inside the body. Missing joined areas of different parts of the body of the Venus indicate that the figurine was made from a single piece of clay using the non-additive method of shaping. The internal cracks in the body of the Venus statuette represent the main feature of its taphonomy and influence the way it will be manipulated in the future.