The production technology of the Neolithic ceramics from the Middle Volga region based on the petrographic analysis

The paper reports on the results of petrographic analysis of Neolithic vessels from the Middle Volga region. The analysis included 52 ceramic samples of the Elshanka and the Middle Volga cultures originating from 11 sites of this region (Fig. 1–4). Petrographic analysis of ceramics offers an opportunity to identify the mineralogical composition of clays and tempering materials, identify the formulation of ceramic paste, determine temperature and conditions of firing as well as suggest possible raw material deposits. Our studies have found that manufacturing of Neolithic vessels had some regional distinctive features. The results obtained are quite consistent with typological classifications of researchers, and stratigraphical observations, adding essentially to our understanding of ceramic production in the forest-steppe belt of the Volga region