Title: The Investigation of Neolithic Pottery of China by Methods of Natural Sciences
Abstract: Neolithic Age is characterized by great changes in social, demographic and economic life of prehistoric tribes of China. It was the time of development of different spheres of material production including the production of ceramics. During this period, all the basic methods of vessel construction were formed, a primitive potter’s wheel appeared, firing technology and the principles of ornamentation were improved and became more complex. At the Neolithic Age the ancient ceramists developed a basic set of categories and forms of pottery. Currently over 30 Neolithic cultures of China were allocated, they are being combined in some local traditions, depending on the geographic area. The article provides an overview of the publications of Chinese archaeologists dedicated to the analysis of the most representative pottery cultures of China by methods of natural sciences. These are the results of radiocarbon analysis to justify the absolute chronology of the sites, as well as petrographic and chemical analyzes which determine the composition and physical properties of clays. The article represents not only the Huanghe River basin cultures (Peiligang, Yangshao, Longshan), but also the cultures of lower and middle reaches of the Yangtze river (Hemudu, Daxi, Qujialing) of various Neolithic periods that helps to provide a holistic view on the development of pottery techniques during this period and highlight the characteristics of the various regional traditions.