Results of chemical-technological analysis of pottery from the Early Neolithic settlement of Kayukovo 1 (evidence of excavations in 2021 and 2023)

The Kayukovo 1 archaeological site is located in Nefteyugansk District of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug Yugra in the area of the Punsi Khanty yurts near Bolshoe Kayukovo lake. Eight archaeological structures in the form of depressions remaining from ancient dwellings and utility buildings were visible on the surface. Firstfull-scale research at the site started in 2021 and was continued in 2023. Its main objectives were systematic excavation of building No. 4 and surrounding area. Pottery with thick walls of loose structure and different coloring was the most numerous group of finds. Ornamental decoration covered the entire outer surface of vessels. Most rims had a wavy edge made by finger imprints. A band of large pit-like impressions was below the edge of the rim. Ornamentation was predominantly linear and consisted of parallel rows made by pressing a tool with retreat. The compositions included vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and scaly patterns, and their variations. Some of the vessels were painted with ocher. Eight pottery fragments (K-1.1 K-1.8) were selected from the filling of the pit in structure No. 4 and from the southern end of the site where the outer wall was supposedly located for Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence analysis aimed at establishing mineral composition and chemical properties of clay, and assessing the firing temperature of the pottery. The chemical analysis of the samples has shown that vessels were fired at a temperature of over 500°C, probably around 800°C. Presence of hematite, iron and calcium oxides in the Kayukovo 1 pottery samples indicates the use of oxidative firing environment. Main elements in the pottery samples from Kayukovo 1 were oxides of silicon, aluminum and iron. There was also a relatively high content of phosphorus.