Justyna Kuriga | Nicolaus Copernicus University (original) (raw)
Papers by Justyna Kuriga
Wiadomości Archeologiczne, 2019
The artefact under study was found in 2017 in a gravel pit located in the village of Borki, Radzy... more The artefact under study was found in 2017 in a gravel pit located in the village of Borki, Radzymin County in Eastern Poland (Fig. 1). The object was unearthed during the industrial extraction of sand from the former bed of the Bug River and, according to the finder, was located at a depth of about 16–18 m. The tool is 21 cm long, with a width of 6 cm and a thickness of approx. 4 cm, both measured at half the length of the specimen. The blade is bevelled on one side, and the object is cream-coloured (Fig. 2). The mattock was made out of a radial bone of a large ruminant, probably aurochs or European bison (Fig. 3). The radiocarbon date of 9180± 50 BP (Poz-97932) obtained for the mattock from Borki makes it one of (if not) the oldest known objects of this kind and allows us to assume that it was made during the Preboreal Period (Fig. 5). The vast majority of objects analogous to the mattock described come from the Boreal period and are associated with Maglemosian communities. However, considering the territorial range of the Maglemosian Culture, which covered the area of the South Baltic Lakelands (J. Kabaciński 2016, 263, 264, fig. 22), and the fact that the artefact was discovered in Mazovia, it seems much more probable that it is connected with the Komornica Culture. As a result of traceological analysis, interesting technological and functional traces were observed on the item. As regards the methods employed to form the tool, the wide use of the nicking technique (Fig. 2:B, 6:D.E; É. David 2007, 39), used to shape the blade and flat surfaces of the specimen, draws particular attention. The traces of use-wear registered on the mattock (Fig. 6:L–N) indicate that it was most likely used for chopping/hewing soft wood. The tool from Borki is undoubtedly unique in form and currently has no strict analogies among other early Holocene objects made of aurochs long bones from either Poland or Europe. Radiocarbon dating places the mattock among the few Mesolithic bone artefacts from the Preboreal Period known in Poland. Traceological analyses have shown a number of interesting technological and use-wear traces on its surface, which can provide a good basis for further technological and functional studies of this type of object.
Quaternary International, 2017
In the course of archaeological research at site 2 in Os onki (Kuyavia, central Poland), a dense ... more In the course of archaeological research at site 2 in Os onki (Kuyavia, central Poland), a dense deposit of 20 cattle bones was discovered, most of which are semi-?nished products for production of bone chisels. The collection was dated ab. 3350-3097 calBC. The traceological analysis of technological traces on the artefacts and experimental studies indicate that they were processed using several metal tools with working edges of varying shape, employed as chisels for bone splitting. Although SEM-EDX analyses did not show the presence of a substantial amount of copper on the surfaces of the artefacts, the collection can be considered most likely evidence for widespread use of this metal among Late Neolithic communities in Poland or at least the people who inhabited the area of Kuyavia.
PLOS ONE, 2017
This article describes evidence for contact and exchange among Mesolithic communities in Poland a... more This article describes evidence for contact and exchange among Mesolithic communities in Poland and Scandinavia, based on the interdisciplinary analysis of an ornamented bâ ton percé from Gołębiewo site 47 (Central Poland). Typological and chronological-cultural analyses show the artefact to be most likely produced in the North European Plain, during the Boreal period. Carbon-14 dating confirms the antiquity of the artefact. Ancient DNA analysis shows the artefact to be of Rangifer tarandus antler. Following this species designation, a dispersion analysis of Early-Holocene reindeer remains in Europe was conducted, showing this species to exist only in northern Scandinavia and northwestern Russia in this period. Therefore, the bâton from Gołębiewo constitutes the youngest reindeer remains in the Euro-pean Plain and southwestern Scandinavia known to date. An attempt was made to determine the biogeographic region from which the antler used to produce the artefact originates from. To this end, comprehensive δ 18 O, δ 13 C and δ 15 N isotope analyses were performed. North Karelia and South Lapland were determined as the most probable regions in terms of isotopic data, results which correspond to the known distribution range of Rangifer tarandus at this time. In light of these finds, the likelihood of contact between Scandinavia and Central Europe in Early Holocene is evaluated. The bâ ton percé from Gołębiewo is likely key evidence for long-distance exchange during the Boreal period.
The Nida site is an extensively investigated Neolithic settlement with extraordinary rich, Rzucew... more The Nida site is an extensively investigated Neolithic settlement with extraordinary rich, Rzucewo culture material (3200–2400 cal $%). A special type of &int tool with polished edges is well known there and is characteristic to exclusively the Rzucewo culture. It has been called a polished ‘scraper’ by previous researchers with a strong affiliation for utilitarian functions. However, no arguments for their use as a hide or other scraper have yet been presented. The goal of this paper is to present the results of the first attempt to understand the function of these polished ‘scrapers’ through the combination of a use-wear analysis and an experimental study. Although the interpretation of the initial results was greatly hindered by postdepositional alterations during aeolian processes, the present authors assert that these polished ‘scrapers’ were probably not used for household activities in the traditional sense. This is supported by their low effectiveness in such activities, which was observed through the use of experimental tools and the results of a use-wear analysis of the experimental and prehistoric implements.
EXARC Journal 2015/1
In 1998 the Society for Experimental Primeval Archaeology (SEPA) was founded at the Institute of ... more In 1998 the Society for Experimental Primeval Archaeology (SEPA) was founded at the Institute of Archaeology at the Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU) in Toruń. Since its beginnings, SEPA members have dedicated a great effort to engaging in numerous scientific experiments with the aim to present human lifestyle in prehistoric times in general. One of the indisputable successes of SEPA is the reconstruction of one of the supposed prehistoric birch tar and pitch production methods without the use of ceramics (Osipowicz 2005a), as well as the recreation of a Neolithic technique for making holes in stone axes (Osipowicz 2005b) and successful experiments with various techniques for bone and antler softening (Osipowicz 2007). At present, papers on the findings of further experiments in these fields are being prepared for publishing, as well as results of new experiments with use of, for example, ranged weapons, axes made of bone and antler and trampling. Moreover, the SEPA members also conduct wide-raging promoting activities by organising numerous archaeology fairs and presentations for schoolchildren.
Over the several years of SEPA functioning, it has organised several one- or two-week experimental camps where experiments that require more time and resources were conducted. During one such camp, in 2001, an attempt to reconstruct a Stone Age shallow pit-house was made. Last year works on an experimental construction of a Mesolithic shelter was completed. In both experiments replicas of prehistoric flint, stone and antler tools made with use of techniques available at that time were used (almost exclusively). This paper covers findings of both these experiments.
Conference Presentations by Justyna Kuriga
We will present the results of the archaeozoological, technological and use - wear ana... more We will present the results of the archaeozoological, technological and use
-
wear analysis of 20 osseous artefacts,
com
ing from three sites of the Linear Band Pottery Culture (LBPC), located in different parts of Poland: Chelmno
Lakeland (Trzciano, site 40), Kuyavia (Bodzia, site 1) and Sandomierz Highland (Tominy, site 6). The collection is
morphologically diverse, howev
er particular types of points dominate. In the course of the analyzes conducted, we
have observed clear regularities in the manufacturing processes of the stylistically similar artefacts, coming from
individual collections, differentiating them from other
collections. Therefore, it possible to speak about discrepancies
in the chaine oparatoire used in their production by the LBPC communities living in different areas of Poland.
Similar differences were observed in the course of use
-
wear analysis. We have i
dentified here tools used for many
tasks, often very specific. An important conclusion from the studies is a thesis of probably specialized profile of
workshops that the analyzed collections come from.
The study was supported by National Science Centre,
Poland, grants number: N N109 226140 and
2015/19/B/HS3/01720.
This presentation aims to introduce the history and development of use-wear analysis research con... more This presentation aims to introduce the history and
development of use-wear analysis research conducted at the
Institute of Archeology Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń.
Stanowisko Sąsieczno 4 położone jest ono na poziomie IX terasy prawego brzegu Wisły, w obrębie Ko... more Stanowisko Sąsieczno 4 położone jest ono na poziomie IX terasy prawego brzegu Wisły, w obrębie Kotliny Toruńskiej, około 5 km od obecnego koryta rzeki. Badania archeologiczne, poprzedzone penetracją powierzchniową, przeprowadzone zostały tu w 1999 roku; kierował nimi Stanoslaw Kukawka.
Większość artefaktów z omawianego stanowiska związana jest z osadnictwem kultury pucharów lejkowatych. Wyroby mezolityczne wystąpiły jedynie w jego północnej części, w odległości około 20 m od obszaru objętego osadnictwem wspomnianej kultury. W miejscu ich największej koncentracji założono osiem wykopów badawczych o łącznej powierzchni 68 m2, natrafiono w nich na dwie krzemienice mezolityczne. Materiał krzemienny zalegał w warstwie żółtego piasku, bezpośrednio pod humusem współczesnym, do głębokości 50–70 cm od poziomu powierzchni gruntu. Z warstwy ornej pozyskano tylko nieliczne okazy, co świadczyło o dobrym stanie zachowania obiektów. Obie krzemienice wystąpiły na tym samym poziomie stratygraficznym.
Wytwory z krzemienic poddano wieloaspektowej analizie uwzględniającej badania traseologiczne oraz przestrzenne z zastosowaniem metody składanek. Umożliwiły one podjęcie próby interpretacji organizacji wewnętrznej obozowiska oraz rejestrację stref bezpośredniej aktywności gospodarczej, czytelnych w ramach poszczególnych krzemienic. Wyniki tych badań stanowić będą przedmiot prezentowanego referatu.
Experimental Archaeology in NCU - Newsletter by Justyna Kuriga
Dear All, I am pleased to present the new number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at N... more Dear All, I am pleased to present the new number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at Nicolaus Copernicus University”. This one is a little bit longer than usually :-) Stay healthy and have a nice reading!
Experimental Archaeology in NCU. The newsletter no 12 (2020_4), 2020
Dear All, I am pleased to present the new number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at N... more Dear All, I am pleased to present the new number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at Nicolaus Copernicus University”. It presents only our past works, nevertheless, we hope You will find it interesting! Stay healthy and have a nice reading!
Dear Readers, at the outset, I would like to apologize for the delay in publishing issue no 10 of... more Dear Readers, at the outset, I would like to apologize for the delay in publishing issue no 10 of our Newsletter. The COVID pandemic and the confusion associated with it are to blame here and we hope all of You will understand problems created by the situation that is at least strange. Nevertheless, we are now offering you the two issues of our Newsletter joint in one, which I hope will also ultimately have positive results in the form of more articles to read. Inside the issue, we present a selection of our experiments related to artefacts from very different periods, which we hope will be interesting to you. On behalf of the team, enjoy reading!
Dear All, I am pleased to present the new number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at ... more Dear All, I am pleased to present the new number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at Nicolaus Copernicus University”. We hope it will distract your attention from thinking about this "coronavirus-madness" least for a moment and give you a possibility to imagine how many more interesting archaeological experiments we all are able to conduct when we finally succeed in the fight with the virus. Let's hope that it happens really very soon! Stay healthy and have a nice reading!
Dear All, I am pleased to present the next number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at ... more Dear All, I am pleased to present the next number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at Nicolaus Copernicus University”. I hope You will find it interesting. Have a nice reading!
Dear All, I am pleased to present the next number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at ... more Dear All, I am pleased to present the next number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at Nicolaus Copernicus University”. I hope You will find it interesting. Have a nice reading!
Dear All, I am pleased to present the next number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology in ... more Dear All, I am pleased to present the next number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology in Nicolaus Copernicus University”. It's a Christmas number so it's not as serious as usual. Nevertheless we hope You will find it interesting. Have a nice reading!
Wiadomości Archeologiczne, 2019
The artefact under study was found in 2017 in a gravel pit located in the village of Borki, Radzy... more The artefact under study was found in 2017 in a gravel pit located in the village of Borki, Radzymin County in Eastern Poland (Fig. 1). The object was unearthed during the industrial extraction of sand from the former bed of the Bug River and, according to the finder, was located at a depth of about 16–18 m. The tool is 21 cm long, with a width of 6 cm and a thickness of approx. 4 cm, both measured at half the length of the specimen. The blade is bevelled on one side, and the object is cream-coloured (Fig. 2). The mattock was made out of a radial bone of a large ruminant, probably aurochs or European bison (Fig. 3). The radiocarbon date of 9180± 50 BP (Poz-97932) obtained for the mattock from Borki makes it one of (if not) the oldest known objects of this kind and allows us to assume that it was made during the Preboreal Period (Fig. 5). The vast majority of objects analogous to the mattock described come from the Boreal period and are associated with Maglemosian communities. However, considering the territorial range of the Maglemosian Culture, which covered the area of the South Baltic Lakelands (J. Kabaciński 2016, 263, 264, fig. 22), and the fact that the artefact was discovered in Mazovia, it seems much more probable that it is connected with the Komornica Culture. As a result of traceological analysis, interesting technological and functional traces were observed on the item. As regards the methods employed to form the tool, the wide use of the nicking technique (Fig. 2:B, 6:D.E; É. David 2007, 39), used to shape the blade and flat surfaces of the specimen, draws particular attention. The traces of use-wear registered on the mattock (Fig. 6:L–N) indicate that it was most likely used for chopping/hewing soft wood. The tool from Borki is undoubtedly unique in form and currently has no strict analogies among other early Holocene objects made of aurochs long bones from either Poland or Europe. Radiocarbon dating places the mattock among the few Mesolithic bone artefacts from the Preboreal Period known in Poland. Traceological analyses have shown a number of interesting technological and use-wear traces on its surface, which can provide a good basis for further technological and functional studies of this type of object.
Quaternary International, 2017
In the course of archaeological research at site 2 in Os onki (Kuyavia, central Poland), a dense ... more In the course of archaeological research at site 2 in Os onki (Kuyavia, central Poland), a dense deposit of 20 cattle bones was discovered, most of which are semi-?nished products for production of bone chisels. The collection was dated ab. 3350-3097 calBC. The traceological analysis of technological traces on the artefacts and experimental studies indicate that they were processed using several metal tools with working edges of varying shape, employed as chisels for bone splitting. Although SEM-EDX analyses did not show the presence of a substantial amount of copper on the surfaces of the artefacts, the collection can be considered most likely evidence for widespread use of this metal among Late Neolithic communities in Poland or at least the people who inhabited the area of Kuyavia.
PLOS ONE, 2017
This article describes evidence for contact and exchange among Mesolithic communities in Poland a... more This article describes evidence for contact and exchange among Mesolithic communities in Poland and Scandinavia, based on the interdisciplinary analysis of an ornamented bâ ton percé from Gołębiewo site 47 (Central Poland). Typological and chronological-cultural analyses show the artefact to be most likely produced in the North European Plain, during the Boreal period. Carbon-14 dating confirms the antiquity of the artefact. Ancient DNA analysis shows the artefact to be of Rangifer tarandus antler. Following this species designation, a dispersion analysis of Early-Holocene reindeer remains in Europe was conducted, showing this species to exist only in northern Scandinavia and northwestern Russia in this period. Therefore, the bâton from Gołębiewo constitutes the youngest reindeer remains in the Euro-pean Plain and southwestern Scandinavia known to date. An attempt was made to determine the biogeographic region from which the antler used to produce the artefact originates from. To this end, comprehensive δ 18 O, δ 13 C and δ 15 N isotope analyses were performed. North Karelia and South Lapland were determined as the most probable regions in terms of isotopic data, results which correspond to the known distribution range of Rangifer tarandus at this time. In light of these finds, the likelihood of contact between Scandinavia and Central Europe in Early Holocene is evaluated. The bâ ton percé from Gołębiewo is likely key evidence for long-distance exchange during the Boreal period.
The Nida site is an extensively investigated Neolithic settlement with extraordinary rich, Rzucew... more The Nida site is an extensively investigated Neolithic settlement with extraordinary rich, Rzucewo culture material (3200–2400 cal $%). A special type of &int tool with polished edges is well known there and is characteristic to exclusively the Rzucewo culture. It has been called a polished ‘scraper’ by previous researchers with a strong affiliation for utilitarian functions. However, no arguments for their use as a hide or other scraper have yet been presented. The goal of this paper is to present the results of the first attempt to understand the function of these polished ‘scrapers’ through the combination of a use-wear analysis and an experimental study. Although the interpretation of the initial results was greatly hindered by postdepositional alterations during aeolian processes, the present authors assert that these polished ‘scrapers’ were probably not used for household activities in the traditional sense. This is supported by their low effectiveness in such activities, which was observed through the use of experimental tools and the results of a use-wear analysis of the experimental and prehistoric implements.
EXARC Journal 2015/1
In 1998 the Society for Experimental Primeval Archaeology (SEPA) was founded at the Institute of ... more In 1998 the Society for Experimental Primeval Archaeology (SEPA) was founded at the Institute of Archaeology at the Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU) in Toruń. Since its beginnings, SEPA members have dedicated a great effort to engaging in numerous scientific experiments with the aim to present human lifestyle in prehistoric times in general. One of the indisputable successes of SEPA is the reconstruction of one of the supposed prehistoric birch tar and pitch production methods without the use of ceramics (Osipowicz 2005a), as well as the recreation of a Neolithic technique for making holes in stone axes (Osipowicz 2005b) and successful experiments with various techniques for bone and antler softening (Osipowicz 2007). At present, papers on the findings of further experiments in these fields are being prepared for publishing, as well as results of new experiments with use of, for example, ranged weapons, axes made of bone and antler and trampling. Moreover, the SEPA members also conduct wide-raging promoting activities by organising numerous archaeology fairs and presentations for schoolchildren.
Over the several years of SEPA functioning, it has organised several one- or two-week experimental camps where experiments that require more time and resources were conducted. During one such camp, in 2001, an attempt to reconstruct a Stone Age shallow pit-house was made. Last year works on an experimental construction of a Mesolithic shelter was completed. In both experiments replicas of prehistoric flint, stone and antler tools made with use of techniques available at that time were used (almost exclusively). This paper covers findings of both these experiments.
We will present the results of the archaeozoological, technological and use - wear ana... more We will present the results of the archaeozoological, technological and use
-
wear analysis of 20 osseous artefacts,
com
ing from three sites of the Linear Band Pottery Culture (LBPC), located in different parts of Poland: Chelmno
Lakeland (Trzciano, site 40), Kuyavia (Bodzia, site 1) and Sandomierz Highland (Tominy, site 6). The collection is
morphologically diverse, howev
er particular types of points dominate. In the course of the analyzes conducted, we
have observed clear regularities in the manufacturing processes of the stylistically similar artefacts, coming from
individual collections, differentiating them from other
collections. Therefore, it possible to speak about discrepancies
in the chaine oparatoire used in their production by the LBPC communities living in different areas of Poland.
Similar differences were observed in the course of use
-
wear analysis. We have i
dentified here tools used for many
tasks, often very specific. An important conclusion from the studies is a thesis of probably specialized profile of
workshops that the analyzed collections come from.
The study was supported by National Science Centre,
Poland, grants number: N N109 226140 and
2015/19/B/HS3/01720.
This presentation aims to introduce the history and development of use-wear analysis research con... more This presentation aims to introduce the history and
development of use-wear analysis research conducted at the
Institute of Archeology Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń.
Stanowisko Sąsieczno 4 położone jest ono na poziomie IX terasy prawego brzegu Wisły, w obrębie Ko... more Stanowisko Sąsieczno 4 położone jest ono na poziomie IX terasy prawego brzegu Wisły, w obrębie Kotliny Toruńskiej, około 5 km od obecnego koryta rzeki. Badania archeologiczne, poprzedzone penetracją powierzchniową, przeprowadzone zostały tu w 1999 roku; kierował nimi Stanoslaw Kukawka.
Większość artefaktów z omawianego stanowiska związana jest z osadnictwem kultury pucharów lejkowatych. Wyroby mezolityczne wystąpiły jedynie w jego północnej części, w odległości około 20 m od obszaru objętego osadnictwem wspomnianej kultury. W miejscu ich największej koncentracji założono osiem wykopów badawczych o łącznej powierzchni 68 m2, natrafiono w nich na dwie krzemienice mezolityczne. Materiał krzemienny zalegał w warstwie żółtego piasku, bezpośrednio pod humusem współczesnym, do głębokości 50–70 cm od poziomu powierzchni gruntu. Z warstwy ornej pozyskano tylko nieliczne okazy, co świadczyło o dobrym stanie zachowania obiektów. Obie krzemienice wystąpiły na tym samym poziomie stratygraficznym.
Wytwory z krzemienic poddano wieloaspektowej analizie uwzględniającej badania traseologiczne oraz przestrzenne z zastosowaniem metody składanek. Umożliwiły one podjęcie próby interpretacji organizacji wewnętrznej obozowiska oraz rejestrację stref bezpośredniej aktywności gospodarczej, czytelnych w ramach poszczególnych krzemienic. Wyniki tych badań stanowić będą przedmiot prezentowanego referatu.
Dear All, I am pleased to present the new number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at N... more Dear All, I am pleased to present the new number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at Nicolaus Copernicus University”. This one is a little bit longer than usually :-) Stay healthy and have a nice reading!
Experimental Archaeology in NCU. The newsletter no 12 (2020_4), 2020
Dear All, I am pleased to present the new number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at N... more Dear All, I am pleased to present the new number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at Nicolaus Copernicus University”. It presents only our past works, nevertheless, we hope You will find it interesting! Stay healthy and have a nice reading!
Dear Readers, at the outset, I would like to apologize for the delay in publishing issue no 10 of... more Dear Readers, at the outset, I would like to apologize for the delay in publishing issue no 10 of our Newsletter. The COVID pandemic and the confusion associated with it are to blame here and we hope all of You will understand problems created by the situation that is at least strange. Nevertheless, we are now offering you the two issues of our Newsletter joint in one, which I hope will also ultimately have positive results in the form of more articles to read. Inside the issue, we present a selection of our experiments related to artefacts from very different periods, which we hope will be interesting to you. On behalf of the team, enjoy reading!
Dear All, I am pleased to present the new number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at ... more Dear All, I am pleased to present the new number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at Nicolaus Copernicus University”. We hope it will distract your attention from thinking about this "coronavirus-madness" least for a moment and give you a possibility to imagine how many more interesting archaeological experiments we all are able to conduct when we finally succeed in the fight with the virus. Let's hope that it happens really very soon! Stay healthy and have a nice reading!
Dear All, I am pleased to present the next number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at ... more Dear All, I am pleased to present the next number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at Nicolaus Copernicus University”. I hope You will find it interesting. Have a nice reading!
Dear All, I am pleased to present the next number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at ... more Dear All, I am pleased to present the next number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at Nicolaus Copernicus University”. I hope You will find it interesting. Have a nice reading!
Dear All, I am pleased to present the next number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology in ... more Dear All, I am pleased to present the next number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology in Nicolaus Copernicus University”. It's a Christmas number so it's not as serious as usual. Nevertheless we hope You will find it interesting. Have a nice reading!
Dear All, I am pleased to present the next number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at ... more Dear All, I am pleased to present the next number of our newsletter „Experimental Archaeology at Nicolaus Copernicus University”. I hope You will find it interesting. Have a nice reading!
