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Papers by Alena Bistáková
The European Archaeologist, 2023
Documenta Praehistorica
Cremation was one of the permissible burial practices in the Linear Pottery Culture (LPC). This t... more Cremation was one of the permissible burial practices in the Linear Pottery Culture (LPC). This treatment has largely remained unexplained by previous research in Central Europe due to its descriptive nature. As a result, we present several thoughts on some key issues here. First, we discuss the current state of research in Central Europe, as well as some specifics with regard to the LPC and cremation. Second, we focus on two graveyards with exclusively or primarily cremation graves. Based on the current state of research, our goal is to evaluate the results obtained using a quantitative data analysis method, as well as an evaluation of the interpretation of cremation within the LPC population.
With this book series, the Collaborative Research Centre Scales of Transformation: Human-Environm... more With this book series, the Collaborative Research Centre Scales of Transformation: Human-Environmental Interaction in Prehistoric and Archaic Societies (CRC 1266) at Kiel University enables the bundled presentation of current research outcomes of the multiple aspects of socio-environmental transformations in ancient societies. As editors of this publication platform, we are pleased to be able to publish monographs with detailed basic data and comprehensive interpretations from different case studies and landscapes as well as the extensive output from numerous scientific meetings and international workshops. The book series is dedicated to the fundamental research questions of CRC 1266, dealing with transformations on different temporal, spatial and social scales, here defined as processes leading to a substantial and enduring reorganization of socio-environmental interaction patterns. What are the substantial transformations that describe human development from 15,000 years ago to the beginning of the Common Era? How did interactions between the natural environment and human populations change over time? What role did humans play as cognitive actors trying to deal with changing social and environmental conditions? Which factors triggered the transformations that led to substantial societal and economic inequality? The understanding of human practices within often intertwined social and environmental contexts is one of the most fundamental aspects of archaeological research. Moreover, in current debates, the dynamics and feedback involved in human-environmental relationships have become a major issue, particularly when looking at the detectable and sometimes devastating consequences of human interference with nature. Archaeology, with its long-term perspective on human societies and landscapes, is in the unique position to trace and link comparable phenomena in the past, to study human involvement with the natural environment, to investigate the impact of humans on nature, and to outline the consequences of environmental change on human societies. Modern interdisciplinary research enables us to reach beyond simplistic monocausal lines of explanation and overcome evolutionary perspectives. Looking at the period from 15,000 to 1 BCE, CRC 1266 takes a diachronic view in order to investigate transformations involved in the development of Late Pleistocene hunter-gatherers, horticulturalists, early agriculturalists, early metallurgists as well as early state societies, thus covering a wide array of societal formations and environmental conditions. Included among the main CRC field projects are the excavations and field surveys that were conducted in the Žitava Valley of West Slovakia. The research provides a new puzzle piece for the reconstruction of human history with a specific insight into the living together of early farming communities. The impressive results from the Neolithic site of Vráble are presented in this volume, whereas results on the entire area will be the theme of another volume. We are very thankful to Ivan Cheben,
Studia Historica Nitriensia, 2017
The Baden culture around the Western Carpathians eds. M. Nowak, A. Zastawny „Via Archaeologica. Źródła z badań wykopaliskowych na trasie autostrady A4 w Małopolsce”, 2015
In this contribution, we present the settlement of the Baden culture people at the polycultural s... more In this contribution, we present the settlement of the Baden culture people at the polycultural site of Bajč-Vlkanovo — Tehelňa
in 1959–1960, 1981 and 1982–1983. Settlement from the Boleráz group period, as well as the old classical stage of the Baden
culture, was recorded on the site. The importance of this site is supported by many documented settlement features and various
finds and their contexts. The settlement has not been published as one unit so far and today it is being complexly evaluated.
Študijné zvesti AÚ SAV , 2013
Neolithic Settlement in Bajč-Vlkanovo the subject of this paper is focused on the evaluation of t... more Neolithic Settlement in Bajč-Vlkanovo the subject of this paper is focused on the evaluation of the neolithic settlement of a polycultural site in Bajč-Vlkanovo (dist. Kkomárno), processed within the earlier research on the site "Tehelňa" (also as Tehelňa "S" or "Göböljárás"). archaeological research excavation on this endangered and devastated site was carried out in 1959-1960, 1981 and 1982-1983 by the Institute of Archaeology of SAS. During the excavation of rescue character in particular, larger amount of finds, especially potterywas collected from the pit backfills and cultural layer. 38 settlement pits are dated to the neolithic period (later linear Pottery, Želiezovce group). Quantitative analysis of the neolithic pottery was based on the model of descriptive database created on the numeric code used in the processing of other early neolithic sites in Slovakia (e. g.Štúrovo, Bajč-Medzi kanálmi, Hurbanovo-Veľký Šárad).
On the basis of the characteristics of Neolithic and Early Eneolithic mortuary practices in the a... more On the basis of the characteristics of Neolithic and Early Eneolithic mortuary practices in the area of North Carpathian Basin it can be argued that the existence of graveyards is an isolated phenomenon. Various rituals were involved in disposing of the dead. In this article, we focus on (un)usual burials which are singled out into two major categories: cremation and inhumation. Special emphasis is given to cremation as a mortuary practice: arguments for cremation; interpretation possibilities; examples of the use of fire and noticed phenomenon. IZVLE∞EK -S pomo≠jo zna≠ilnih neolitskih in eneolitskih pogrebnih praks v severnem delu Karpatske kotline sklepamo, da so pokopali∏≠a izoliran pojav. S pokopi so bili povezani razli≠ni rituali. V ≠lanku predstavljamo (ne)obi≠ajne pokope, ki sodijo v dve glavni kategoriji: se∫ig in pokop trupel. Poseben poudarek je namenjen se∫iganju kot pogrebni praksi: argumentom, interpretacijam in izbranim primerom.
Books by Alena Bistáková
Furholt, M. et al. (eds) Archaeology in the Žitava Valley I. The LBK and Želiezovce settlement site of Vráble. Leiden: Sidestone Press (Scales of Transformation in Prehistoric and Archaic Societies 9), 2020
The early Neolithic site of Vráble (5250-4950 cal BCE) is among the largest LBK settlement agglom... more The early Neolithic site of Vráble (5250-4950 cal BCE) is among the largest LBK settlement agglomerations in Central Europe, and exceptional within the southwest Slovakian area. Geophysical surveys revealed more than 300 houses, grouped into three contemporary neighbourhoods, one of which is delineated by a complex ditched
enclosure system. This enclosure is associated with a large number of human remains, which reveal new patterns of burial and deposition practices. This volume presents the first part of the results of an international research project that was started in 2012 and aims to explore the social implications of settlement concentration in the context of early farming communities, on the background of subsistence patterns and landscape use.
This is the first volume of “Archaeology in the Žitava valley”, and it presents the finds, features and data uncovered and synthesised from our archaeological, pedological, geophysical, archaeobotanical, anthropological, zoo-archaeological and stable isotope studies on the site of Vráble “Veľké Lehemby” and “Fárske” in southwest Slovakia.
These data are used to reconstruct the social and economic patterns and social processes, highlighting a growing tension between incentives of cooperation and sharing vs. monopolisation of resources and individual interests, driving the 300-year history of this site until its total abandonment. While the history of Vráble is unique, it holds clues for a better understanding of the overall, central European phenomenon of large, enclosed settlements of the later LBK, their association with rituals and violence involving human bodies, and the end of the LBK social world.
The European Archaeologist, 2023
Documenta Praehistorica
Cremation was one of the permissible burial practices in the Linear Pottery Culture (LPC). This t... more Cremation was one of the permissible burial practices in the Linear Pottery Culture (LPC). This treatment has largely remained unexplained by previous research in Central Europe due to its descriptive nature. As a result, we present several thoughts on some key issues here. First, we discuss the current state of research in Central Europe, as well as some specifics with regard to the LPC and cremation. Second, we focus on two graveyards with exclusively or primarily cremation graves. Based on the current state of research, our goal is to evaluate the results obtained using a quantitative data analysis method, as well as an evaluation of the interpretation of cremation within the LPC population.
With this book series, the Collaborative Research Centre Scales of Transformation: Human-Environm... more With this book series, the Collaborative Research Centre Scales of Transformation: Human-Environmental Interaction in Prehistoric and Archaic Societies (CRC 1266) at Kiel University enables the bundled presentation of current research outcomes of the multiple aspects of socio-environmental transformations in ancient societies. As editors of this publication platform, we are pleased to be able to publish monographs with detailed basic data and comprehensive interpretations from different case studies and landscapes as well as the extensive output from numerous scientific meetings and international workshops. The book series is dedicated to the fundamental research questions of CRC 1266, dealing with transformations on different temporal, spatial and social scales, here defined as processes leading to a substantial and enduring reorganization of socio-environmental interaction patterns. What are the substantial transformations that describe human development from 15,000 years ago to the beginning of the Common Era? How did interactions between the natural environment and human populations change over time? What role did humans play as cognitive actors trying to deal with changing social and environmental conditions? Which factors triggered the transformations that led to substantial societal and economic inequality? The understanding of human practices within often intertwined social and environmental contexts is one of the most fundamental aspects of archaeological research. Moreover, in current debates, the dynamics and feedback involved in human-environmental relationships have become a major issue, particularly when looking at the detectable and sometimes devastating consequences of human interference with nature. Archaeology, with its long-term perspective on human societies and landscapes, is in the unique position to trace and link comparable phenomena in the past, to study human involvement with the natural environment, to investigate the impact of humans on nature, and to outline the consequences of environmental change on human societies. Modern interdisciplinary research enables us to reach beyond simplistic monocausal lines of explanation and overcome evolutionary perspectives. Looking at the period from 15,000 to 1 BCE, CRC 1266 takes a diachronic view in order to investigate transformations involved in the development of Late Pleistocene hunter-gatherers, horticulturalists, early agriculturalists, early metallurgists as well as early state societies, thus covering a wide array of societal formations and environmental conditions. Included among the main CRC field projects are the excavations and field surveys that were conducted in the Žitava Valley of West Slovakia. The research provides a new puzzle piece for the reconstruction of human history with a specific insight into the living together of early farming communities. The impressive results from the Neolithic site of Vráble are presented in this volume, whereas results on the entire area will be the theme of another volume. We are very thankful to Ivan Cheben,
Studia Historica Nitriensia, 2017
The Baden culture around the Western Carpathians eds. M. Nowak, A. Zastawny „Via Archaeologica. Źródła z badań wykopaliskowych na trasie autostrady A4 w Małopolsce”, 2015
In this contribution, we present the settlement of the Baden culture people at the polycultural s... more In this contribution, we present the settlement of the Baden culture people at the polycultural site of Bajč-Vlkanovo — Tehelňa
in 1959–1960, 1981 and 1982–1983. Settlement from the Boleráz group period, as well as the old classical stage of the Baden
culture, was recorded on the site. The importance of this site is supported by many documented settlement features and various
finds and their contexts. The settlement has not been published as one unit so far and today it is being complexly evaluated.
Študijné zvesti AÚ SAV , 2013
Neolithic Settlement in Bajč-Vlkanovo the subject of this paper is focused on the evaluation of t... more Neolithic Settlement in Bajč-Vlkanovo the subject of this paper is focused on the evaluation of the neolithic settlement of a polycultural site in Bajč-Vlkanovo (dist. Kkomárno), processed within the earlier research on the site "Tehelňa" (also as Tehelňa "S" or "Göböljárás"). archaeological research excavation on this endangered and devastated site was carried out in 1959-1960, 1981 and 1982-1983 by the Institute of Archaeology of SAS. During the excavation of rescue character in particular, larger amount of finds, especially potterywas collected from the pit backfills and cultural layer. 38 settlement pits are dated to the neolithic period (later linear Pottery, Želiezovce group). Quantitative analysis of the neolithic pottery was based on the model of descriptive database created on the numeric code used in the processing of other early neolithic sites in Slovakia (e. g.Štúrovo, Bajč-Medzi kanálmi, Hurbanovo-Veľký Šárad).
On the basis of the characteristics of Neolithic and Early Eneolithic mortuary practices in the a... more On the basis of the characteristics of Neolithic and Early Eneolithic mortuary practices in the area of North Carpathian Basin it can be argued that the existence of graveyards is an isolated phenomenon. Various rituals were involved in disposing of the dead. In this article, we focus on (un)usual burials which are singled out into two major categories: cremation and inhumation. Special emphasis is given to cremation as a mortuary practice: arguments for cremation; interpretation possibilities; examples of the use of fire and noticed phenomenon. IZVLE∞EK -S pomo≠jo zna≠ilnih neolitskih in eneolitskih pogrebnih praks v severnem delu Karpatske kotline sklepamo, da so pokopali∏≠a izoliran pojav. S pokopi so bili povezani razli≠ni rituali. V ≠lanku predstavljamo (ne)obi≠ajne pokope, ki sodijo v dve glavni kategoriji: se∫ig in pokop trupel. Poseben poudarek je namenjen se∫iganju kot pogrebni praksi: argumentom, interpretacijam in izbranim primerom.
Furholt, M. et al. (eds) Archaeology in the Žitava Valley I. The LBK and Želiezovce settlement site of Vráble. Leiden: Sidestone Press (Scales of Transformation in Prehistoric and Archaic Societies 9), 2020
The early Neolithic site of Vráble (5250-4950 cal BCE) is among the largest LBK settlement agglom... more The early Neolithic site of Vráble (5250-4950 cal BCE) is among the largest LBK settlement agglomerations in Central Europe, and exceptional within the southwest Slovakian area. Geophysical surveys revealed more than 300 houses, grouped into three contemporary neighbourhoods, one of which is delineated by a complex ditched
enclosure system. This enclosure is associated with a large number of human remains, which reveal new patterns of burial and deposition practices. This volume presents the first part of the results of an international research project that was started in 2012 and aims to explore the social implications of settlement concentration in the context of early farming communities, on the background of subsistence patterns and landscape use.
This is the first volume of “Archaeology in the Žitava valley”, and it presents the finds, features and data uncovered and synthesised from our archaeological, pedological, geophysical, archaeobotanical, anthropological, zoo-archaeological and stable isotope studies on the site of Vráble “Veľké Lehemby” and “Fárske” in southwest Slovakia.
These data are used to reconstruct the social and economic patterns and social processes, highlighting a growing tension between incentives of cooperation and sharing vs. monopolisation of resources and individual interests, driving the 300-year history of this site until its total abandonment. While the history of Vráble is unique, it holds clues for a better understanding of the overall, central European phenomenon of large, enclosed settlements of the later LBK, their association with rituals and violence involving human bodies, and the end of the LBK social world.