Comparative characteristics of late Neolithic and Novoilinskikh ceramic complexes of Upper and Middle Prikamye

The analysis of transitional periods, transformation processes, new cultures and emerging cultural objects is one of the main spheres of concern for modern science. In this respect the process of transition from Neolithic to Eneolithic Ages closely connected with the formation of Early Eneolithic Novoilinskiy culture is of great interest. Several researchers suggested that late Kama Neolithic culture representatives took part in its formation. The analysis of Late Neolithic and Novoilinskiy culture ceramic complexes was carried out to address this question. Vessels' performance features comparative analysis showed that thick-walled vessels (thickness is over 0.8 cm) with a touch of chamotte and sand in molding compound were typical for both complexes. At the same time the presence of closed mold vessels and a larger percent of excrescence collars, in contrast with Novoilinskiy culture, reveals the closeness of Late Neolithic ceramics and the developed stage ceramics of Kama Neolithic culture. Ornaments' elements comparison characteristics showed that the prevalence of rather short or middle length and narrow pectinal stamp rectangular imprint was typical for both complexes. Main ornaments' motives comparison underlined their substantial similarity. Inclined and vertical impressions played the leading role in both groups. The differences concern the use of «walking comb», which is not practically found in Novoilinskiy complexes, and zigzag pattern, which is, on the contrary, widely spread in Novoilinskiy pottery. In conclusion it's necessary to mention substantial similarity of complexes in molding compounds, vessels' moulds and the ways of their ornamentation. However, the revealed differences give solid ground for relating them to different but similar to each other cultures. The hypothesis about Novoilinskiy culture forming the basis of Kama Neolithic culture sites has not been confirmed so far.