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Papers by christine chataigner

Research paper thumbnail of Environments and Societies in the Southern Caucasus during the Holocene

Quaternary International, Feb 1, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of NEW DATA ON THE EXPLOITATION OF OBSIDIAN IN THE SOUTHERN CAUCASUS (ARMENIA, GEORGIA) AND EASTERN TURKEY, PART 2: OBSIDIAN PROCUREMENT FROM THE UPPER PALAEOLITHIC TO THE LATE BRONZE AGE

Archaeometry, 2014

Within the framework of the French archaeological mission 'Caucasus', in a previous paper we have... more Within the framework of the French archaeological mission 'Caucasus', in a previous paper we have presented new geochemical analyses on geological obsidians from the southern Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia) and eastern Turkey. We present here the second part of this research, which deals with provenance studies of archaeological obsidians from Armenia. These new data enhance our knowledge of obsidian exploitation over a period of more than 14 000 years, from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Late Bronze Age. The proposed methodology shows that source attribution can be easily made by plotting element contents and element ratios on three simple binary diagrams. The same diagrams were used for source discrimination. As the southern Caucasus is a mountainous region for which the factor of distance as the crow flies cannot be applied, we have explored the capacity of the Geographic Information System to evaluate the nature and patterns of travel costs between the sources of obsidian and the archaeological sites. The role of the secondary obsidian deposits, which enabled the populations to acquire raw material at a considerable distance from the outcrops, is also considered.

Research paper thumbnail of NEW DATA ON THE EXPLOITATION OF OBSIDIAN IN THE SOUTHERN CAUCASUS (ARMENIA, GEORGIA) AND EASTERN TURKEY, PART 1: SOURCE CHARACTERIZATION

Archaeometry, 2014

A large analytical programme involving both obsidian source characterization and obsidian artefac... more A large analytical programme involving both obsidian source characterization and obsidian artefact sourcing was initiated recently within the framework of the French archaeological mission 'Caucasus'. The results will be presented in two parts: the first part, this paper, deals with the presentation and characterization of obsidian outcrops in the southern Caucasus, while the second presents some results obtained from a selection of artefacts originating from different Armenian sites dated to between the Upper Palaeolithic and the Late Bronze Age. The same analytical method, LA-ICP-MS (laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), has been used to characterize all the studied samples (both geological and archaeological). This method is more and more widely used to determine the elemental composition of obsidian artefacts, as it causes minimal damage to the studied objects. We present in this first part new geochemical analyses on geological obsidians originating from the southern Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia) and eastern Turkey. These data enhance our knowledge of the obsidian sources in these regions. A simple methodology, based on the use of three diagrams, is proposed to easily differentiate the deposits and to study the early exploitation of this material in the southern Caucasus.

Research paper thumbnail of Chataigner et al 2010 Godedzor Ubaid

Research paper thumbnail of Diachronic variability in obsidian procurement patterns and the role of the cave-sheepfold of Getahovit-2 (NE Armenia) during the Chalcolithic period

Quaternary International, 2020

The cave of Getahovit-2 is situated in north-eastern Armenia, in the foothills of the Lesser Cauc... more The cave of Getahovit-2 is situated in north-eastern Armenia, in the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus which dominate the valley of the Kura. The excavations (2011–2017), carried out by the Armenian-French mission ‘Caucasus’, have revealed several phases of occupation – Upper Palaeolithic (ca 22,000 cal BC), Chalcolithic (ca. 4700-4050 cal BC), and early Middle Ages (ca. 900–1200 cal AD). Although the cave is near outcroppings of flint (lower valley of the Aghstev river), the artifacts found there are mainly in obsidian, whatever the period of occupation. During the Chalcolithic period (levels IV-III), the cave served as a shelter for herds, as seen in the succession of coprolite deposits, that were regularly burned to clean the floor of the cave. The origin of the populations that sheltered their herds in this cave is difficult to determine. LA-ICP-MS analyses have been carried out to study the provenance of the obsidian artifacts found in level III. Corroborated by the techno-typological study of the artifacts, they have enabled the differentiation of two assemblages: the first, coming from deposits situated on Armenian territory (Geghasar, Gutansar, Arteni, Tsaghkunyats) and consisting of blanks knapped by percussion (flakes above all), and the second coming from deposits situated in Georgia (Chikiani) or Turkey (region of Sarıkamış) and consisting of pressure-flaked blades. In the lower part of level III (ca 4700-4400 cal BC), the provenance of the obsidian (mainly Gutansar) suggests links with the south, the Ararat plain. For the upper part of level III (ca. 4400-4050 cal BC), it is the outcrops situated farther north (Tsaghkunyats) that were the origin of almost 60% of the pieces analysed. Based on environmental, cultural and ethnographic data, we discuss the role of the cave of Getahovit-2 and the mobility of the human groups who occupied it in the 5th millennium BC.

Research paper thumbnail of Neolithic bone tools from Aknashen

Archaeopress Publishing Ltd eBooks, Feb 17, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of La Transcaucasie au Néolithique et au Chalcolithique (The Trans-Caucasus Region in the Neolithic and Chalcolithic). Christine Chataigner

Near Eastern Archaeology, Mar 1, 1998

Research paper thumbnail of The provenance of the obsidian used at Aknashen

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Diachronic variability in obsidian procurement patterns and the role of the cave-sheepfold of Getahovit-2 (NE Armenia) during the Chalcolithic period

Quaternary International, Jun 1, 2020

in obsidian procurement patterns and the role of the cave-sheepfold of Getahovit-2 (NE Armenia) d... more in obsidian procurement patterns and the role of the cave-sheepfold of Getahovit-2 (NE Armenia) during the Chalcolithic period, Quaternary International,

Research paper thumbnail of Animal production and Neolithic subsistence economy in the plain of Ararat (Armenia)

Research paper thumbnail of 223 Early Pleistocene vegetation and climate changes in continental deposits of the Lesser Caucasus of Armenia

Research paper thumbnail of A GIS for the analysis of obsidian circulation in the northern near east during prehistory

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Nov 1, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of New Data on the Exploitation of Obsidian in the Southern Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia) and Eastern Turkey, Part 1: Source Characterization

Archaeometry, Jan 7, 2013

A large analytical programme involving both obsidian source characterization and obsidian artefac... more A large analytical programme involving both obsidian source characterization and obsidian artefact sourcing was initiated recently within the framework of the French archaeological mission 'Caucasus'. The results will be presented in two parts: the first part, this paper, deals with the presentation and characterization of obsidian outcrops in the southern Caucasus, while the second presents some results obtained from a selection of artefacts originating from different Armenian sites dated to between the Upper Palaeolithic and the Late Bronze Age. The same analytical method, LA-ICP-MS (laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), has been used to characterize all the studied samples (both geological and archaeological). This method is more and more widely used to determine the elemental composition of obsidian artefacts, as it causes minimal damage to the studied objects. We present in this first part new geochemical analyses on geological obsidians originating from the southern Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia) and eastern Turkey. These data enhance our knowledge of the obsidian sources in these regions. A simple methodology, based on the use of three diagrams, is proposed to easily differentiate the deposits and to study the early exploitation of this material in the southern Caucasus.

Research paper thumbnail of Post-landslide forest recolonization: a paleoecological view from a 4000 yrs old case-study

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Jul 9, 2019

International audienc

Research paper thumbnail of New Data on the Exploitation of Obsidian in the Southern Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia) and Eastern Turkey, Part 2: Obsidian Procurement from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Late Bronze Age

Archaeometry, Jan 7, 2013

Within the framework of the French archaeological mission 'Caucasus', in a previous paper we have... more Within the framework of the French archaeological mission 'Caucasus', in a previous paper we have presented new geochemical analyses on geological obsidians from the southern Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia) and eastern Turkey. We present here the second part of this research, which deals with provenance studies of archaeological obsidians from Armenia. These new data enhance our knowledge of obsidian exploitation over a period of more than 14 000 years, from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Late Bronze Age. The proposed methodology shows that source attribution can be easily made by plotting element contents and element ratios on three simple binary diagrams. The same diagrams were used for source discrimination. As the southern Caucasus is a mountainous region for which the factor of distance as the crow flies cannot be applied, we have explored the capacity of the Geographic Information System to evaluate the nature and patterns of travel costs between the sources of obsidian and the archaeological sites. The role of the secondary obsidian deposits, which enabled the populations to acquire raw material at a considerable distance from the outcrops, is also considered.

Research paper thumbnail of Le Néolithique et le Chalcolithique en Transcaucasie : l’exemple des bassins de la Kura et de l'Araxe

Research paper thumbnail of Paléolithique moyen de la haute vallée du Kasakh (Arménie) : peuplement de montagne et exploitation d'obsidienne

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), 2013

International audienc

Research paper thumbnail of Neolithic subsistence economy in the plain of Ararat: preliminary comparative analysis of the faunal remains from Aratashen and Khaturnarkh-Aknashen (Armenia)

Research paper thumbnail of First pollen record from the Late Holocene forest environment in the Lesser Caucasus

Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, Sep 1, 2022

Pollen-based vegetation change has been inferred from sediments in Kalavan Red Lake. This small l... more Pollen-based vegetation change has been inferred from sediments in Kalavan Red Lake. This small lake is placed in the beech-oak-hornbeam forest, about three kilometres away from archaeological remains. It has the potential to document the Holocene forest history and climate and human impacts on the Lesser Caucasus. However, this lake happens to be formed by a large landslide. Pollen and XRF analysis are provided over the last 3800 years. The basal age of the Kalavan sediment approximates the landslide age. This created a not vegetated slope including the lake catchment. Erosion and sedimentation processes brought coarse and heavy minerogenic elements, declining with the catchment revegetation by tall-grassland. This shift in the sedimentation continues, suggesting less erosion in the catchment when an admixture of Quercus and grasslands settled. Starting from 2000 cal. BP, arboreal pollen increases successively thanks to the step afforestation of Quercus, Carpinus orientalis and Fagus. The comparison with available pollen reconstruction illustrates the uniqueness of the vegetation dynamic recorded at Kalavan. However, the duration of this succession is also questionable. An intermediate hypothesis is proposed: the Kalavan's dynamic is first initiated J o u r n a l P r e-p r o o f Journal Pre-proof by the landslide with the tall-grass development, then paced by the regional vegetation dynamic. Linking vegetation history and erosion with regional climate and archaeological data helps to evidence short-term climate change and human impact. Antique arid phase (2000-1600 cal. BP), the Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age affect the vegetation, while demography variations during the Medieval period and Modern Age are shown by pastoral activity.

Research paper thumbnail of Découvertes récentes de sépultures chalcolithiques en Transcaucasie : le site de Godedzor (Arménie)

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Jan 26, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Environments and Societies in the Southern Caucasus during the Holocene

Quaternary International, Feb 1, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of NEW DATA ON THE EXPLOITATION OF OBSIDIAN IN THE SOUTHERN CAUCASUS (ARMENIA, GEORGIA) AND EASTERN TURKEY, PART 2: OBSIDIAN PROCUREMENT FROM THE UPPER PALAEOLITHIC TO THE LATE BRONZE AGE

Archaeometry, 2014

Within the framework of the French archaeological mission 'Caucasus', in a previous paper we have... more Within the framework of the French archaeological mission 'Caucasus', in a previous paper we have presented new geochemical analyses on geological obsidians from the southern Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia) and eastern Turkey. We present here the second part of this research, which deals with provenance studies of archaeological obsidians from Armenia. These new data enhance our knowledge of obsidian exploitation over a period of more than 14 000 years, from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Late Bronze Age. The proposed methodology shows that source attribution can be easily made by plotting element contents and element ratios on three simple binary diagrams. The same diagrams were used for source discrimination. As the southern Caucasus is a mountainous region for which the factor of distance as the crow flies cannot be applied, we have explored the capacity of the Geographic Information System to evaluate the nature and patterns of travel costs between the sources of obsidian and the archaeological sites. The role of the secondary obsidian deposits, which enabled the populations to acquire raw material at a considerable distance from the outcrops, is also considered.

Research paper thumbnail of NEW DATA ON THE EXPLOITATION OF OBSIDIAN IN THE SOUTHERN CAUCASUS (ARMENIA, GEORGIA) AND EASTERN TURKEY, PART 1: SOURCE CHARACTERIZATION

Archaeometry, 2014

A large analytical programme involving both obsidian source characterization and obsidian artefac... more A large analytical programme involving both obsidian source characterization and obsidian artefact sourcing was initiated recently within the framework of the French archaeological mission 'Caucasus'. The results will be presented in two parts: the first part, this paper, deals with the presentation and characterization of obsidian outcrops in the southern Caucasus, while the second presents some results obtained from a selection of artefacts originating from different Armenian sites dated to between the Upper Palaeolithic and the Late Bronze Age. The same analytical method, LA-ICP-MS (laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), has been used to characterize all the studied samples (both geological and archaeological). This method is more and more widely used to determine the elemental composition of obsidian artefacts, as it causes minimal damage to the studied objects. We present in this first part new geochemical analyses on geological obsidians originating from the southern Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia) and eastern Turkey. These data enhance our knowledge of the obsidian sources in these regions. A simple methodology, based on the use of three diagrams, is proposed to easily differentiate the deposits and to study the early exploitation of this material in the southern Caucasus.

Research paper thumbnail of Chataigner et al 2010 Godedzor Ubaid

Research paper thumbnail of Diachronic variability in obsidian procurement patterns and the role of the cave-sheepfold of Getahovit-2 (NE Armenia) during the Chalcolithic period

Quaternary International, 2020

The cave of Getahovit-2 is situated in north-eastern Armenia, in the foothills of the Lesser Cauc... more The cave of Getahovit-2 is situated in north-eastern Armenia, in the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus which dominate the valley of the Kura. The excavations (2011–2017), carried out by the Armenian-French mission ‘Caucasus’, have revealed several phases of occupation – Upper Palaeolithic (ca 22,000 cal BC), Chalcolithic (ca. 4700-4050 cal BC), and early Middle Ages (ca. 900–1200 cal AD). Although the cave is near outcroppings of flint (lower valley of the Aghstev river), the artifacts found there are mainly in obsidian, whatever the period of occupation. During the Chalcolithic period (levels IV-III), the cave served as a shelter for herds, as seen in the succession of coprolite deposits, that were regularly burned to clean the floor of the cave. The origin of the populations that sheltered their herds in this cave is difficult to determine. LA-ICP-MS analyses have been carried out to study the provenance of the obsidian artifacts found in level III. Corroborated by the techno-typological study of the artifacts, they have enabled the differentiation of two assemblages: the first, coming from deposits situated on Armenian territory (Geghasar, Gutansar, Arteni, Tsaghkunyats) and consisting of blanks knapped by percussion (flakes above all), and the second coming from deposits situated in Georgia (Chikiani) or Turkey (region of Sarıkamış) and consisting of pressure-flaked blades. In the lower part of level III (ca 4700-4400 cal BC), the provenance of the obsidian (mainly Gutansar) suggests links with the south, the Ararat plain. For the upper part of level III (ca. 4400-4050 cal BC), it is the outcrops situated farther north (Tsaghkunyats) that were the origin of almost 60% of the pieces analysed. Based on environmental, cultural and ethnographic data, we discuss the role of the cave of Getahovit-2 and the mobility of the human groups who occupied it in the 5th millennium BC.

Research paper thumbnail of Neolithic bone tools from Aknashen

Archaeopress Publishing Ltd eBooks, Feb 17, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of La Transcaucasie au Néolithique et au Chalcolithique (The Trans-Caucasus Region in the Neolithic and Chalcolithic). Christine Chataigner

Near Eastern Archaeology, Mar 1, 1998

Research paper thumbnail of The provenance of the obsidian used at Aknashen

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Diachronic variability in obsidian procurement patterns and the role of the cave-sheepfold of Getahovit-2 (NE Armenia) during the Chalcolithic period

Quaternary International, Jun 1, 2020

in obsidian procurement patterns and the role of the cave-sheepfold of Getahovit-2 (NE Armenia) d... more in obsidian procurement patterns and the role of the cave-sheepfold of Getahovit-2 (NE Armenia) during the Chalcolithic period, Quaternary International,

Research paper thumbnail of Animal production and Neolithic subsistence economy in the plain of Ararat (Armenia)

Research paper thumbnail of 223 Early Pleistocene vegetation and climate changes in continental deposits of the Lesser Caucasus of Armenia

Research paper thumbnail of A GIS for the analysis of obsidian circulation in the northern near east during prehistory

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Nov 1, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of New Data on the Exploitation of Obsidian in the Southern Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia) and Eastern Turkey, Part 1: Source Characterization

Archaeometry, Jan 7, 2013

A large analytical programme involving both obsidian source characterization and obsidian artefac... more A large analytical programme involving both obsidian source characterization and obsidian artefact sourcing was initiated recently within the framework of the French archaeological mission 'Caucasus'. The results will be presented in two parts: the first part, this paper, deals with the presentation and characterization of obsidian outcrops in the southern Caucasus, while the second presents some results obtained from a selection of artefacts originating from different Armenian sites dated to between the Upper Palaeolithic and the Late Bronze Age. The same analytical method, LA-ICP-MS (laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), has been used to characterize all the studied samples (both geological and archaeological). This method is more and more widely used to determine the elemental composition of obsidian artefacts, as it causes minimal damage to the studied objects. We present in this first part new geochemical analyses on geological obsidians originating from the southern Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia) and eastern Turkey. These data enhance our knowledge of the obsidian sources in these regions. A simple methodology, based on the use of three diagrams, is proposed to easily differentiate the deposits and to study the early exploitation of this material in the southern Caucasus.

Research paper thumbnail of Post-landslide forest recolonization: a paleoecological view from a 4000 yrs old case-study

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Jul 9, 2019

International audienc

Research paper thumbnail of New Data on the Exploitation of Obsidian in the Southern Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia) and Eastern Turkey, Part 2: Obsidian Procurement from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Late Bronze Age

Archaeometry, Jan 7, 2013

Within the framework of the French archaeological mission 'Caucasus', in a previous paper we have... more Within the framework of the French archaeological mission 'Caucasus', in a previous paper we have presented new geochemical analyses on geological obsidians from the southern Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia) and eastern Turkey. We present here the second part of this research, which deals with provenance studies of archaeological obsidians from Armenia. These new data enhance our knowledge of obsidian exploitation over a period of more than 14 000 years, from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Late Bronze Age. The proposed methodology shows that source attribution can be easily made by plotting element contents and element ratios on three simple binary diagrams. The same diagrams were used for source discrimination. As the southern Caucasus is a mountainous region for which the factor of distance as the crow flies cannot be applied, we have explored the capacity of the Geographic Information System to evaluate the nature and patterns of travel costs between the sources of obsidian and the archaeological sites. The role of the secondary obsidian deposits, which enabled the populations to acquire raw material at a considerable distance from the outcrops, is also considered.

Research paper thumbnail of Le Néolithique et le Chalcolithique en Transcaucasie : l’exemple des bassins de la Kura et de l'Araxe

Research paper thumbnail of Paléolithique moyen de la haute vallée du Kasakh (Arménie) : peuplement de montagne et exploitation d'obsidienne

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), 2013

International audienc

Research paper thumbnail of Neolithic subsistence economy in the plain of Ararat: preliminary comparative analysis of the faunal remains from Aratashen and Khaturnarkh-Aknashen (Armenia)

Research paper thumbnail of First pollen record from the Late Holocene forest environment in the Lesser Caucasus

Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, Sep 1, 2022

Pollen-based vegetation change has been inferred from sediments in Kalavan Red Lake. This small l... more Pollen-based vegetation change has been inferred from sediments in Kalavan Red Lake. This small lake is placed in the beech-oak-hornbeam forest, about three kilometres away from archaeological remains. It has the potential to document the Holocene forest history and climate and human impacts on the Lesser Caucasus. However, this lake happens to be formed by a large landslide. Pollen and XRF analysis are provided over the last 3800 years. The basal age of the Kalavan sediment approximates the landslide age. This created a not vegetated slope including the lake catchment. Erosion and sedimentation processes brought coarse and heavy minerogenic elements, declining with the catchment revegetation by tall-grassland. This shift in the sedimentation continues, suggesting less erosion in the catchment when an admixture of Quercus and grasslands settled. Starting from 2000 cal. BP, arboreal pollen increases successively thanks to the step afforestation of Quercus, Carpinus orientalis and Fagus. The comparison with available pollen reconstruction illustrates the uniqueness of the vegetation dynamic recorded at Kalavan. However, the duration of this succession is also questionable. An intermediate hypothesis is proposed: the Kalavan's dynamic is first initiated J o u r n a l P r e-p r o o f Journal Pre-proof by the landslide with the tall-grass development, then paced by the regional vegetation dynamic. Linking vegetation history and erosion with regional climate and archaeological data helps to evidence short-term climate change and human impact. Antique arid phase (2000-1600 cal. BP), the Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age affect the vegetation, while demography variations during the Medieval period and Modern Age are shown by pastoral activity.

Research paper thumbnail of Découvertes récentes de sépultures chalcolithiques en Transcaucasie : le site de Godedzor (Arménie)

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Jan 26, 2011