A Móra Ferenc Múzeum Évkönyve, 1982/83-1. (Szeged, 1985)

Régészet - Hegedűs Katalin: The Settlement of the Neolithic Szakálhát-Group at Csanytelek–Újhalastó

The pattern was enhanced by white encrustation. This rhombical boat-shaped vessel appears to go back to a leather prototype executed in clay. Step-like and network patterns also occur in the repertoire of designs (PI. 111:1, 2). The small Bükk vessel used for storing paint is also unique as regards its ornamentation : rhombical panels filled with bands of densely incised lines further highlighted by encrustation (PI. 1:4). Concentric circles form another group within the repertoire of curvilinear patterns. A beautifully executed specimen further brightened with painting can be seen on the lower part of a small suspension bowl found in pit 5 (PI. VII :1). An interesting feature of the vessels of the Middle Neolithic Szakáihát group — which at the same time also points towards the transition to the Tisza culture — is that meandric patterns are arranged within panels bordered by dividing lines (PI. V:l, PI. VII :1). There is a general tendency in the Middle Neolithic towards arranging patterns within panels.

96 This type of patterning already makes its appearance in the genetic predecessor of the Szakáihát group, the Alföld Linear Pottery culture

97 and it can also be observed on the vessels of the contemporary Bükk group.

98 The practice of arranging meandrical patterns into panles bordered by dividing bands was earlier incorrectly dated to the Tisza period,

99 but recent finds, including the Csanytelek assemblage, indicate an earlier, Middle Neolithic date. Other impressed decoration A favoured decorative technique of the early phase of the Szakáihát group, fingernail impressions arranged into patterns, is entirely lacking in the Csanytelek assemblage. Only one sherd indicates the decoration of vessel surfaces with reed impressions, the fragment shown in PI. VI: 14. Plastic ornaments Smaller and larger knobs (the former are lentilshaped, the latter are orvesicular in shape), thumb-indented appliqué ribs and notched bands running under the vessel rims are all encountered. These ornamental elements occur mainly on thick-walled, coarse wares; lentil-shaped small knobs can sometimes also be found on thill-walled, carefully polished fine wares (PI. 1:11). Vessel forms The po*tery found at the Csanytelek settlement corresponds to the general vessel-types of the period. Most vessels are imitations of natural forms, namely vessels carved from gourds. The standard types of the fine wares, high-necked jars, pots, dishes and shallow cups can without exception be traced to gourd vessels 88 Narr, К. J., Handbuch der Urgeschichte IL Jüngere Steinzeit und Steinkupferzeit. (1975). 863" 87 Kalicz, N.—Makkay, J., op. cit., PI. 169:2a—b, 9a, 11, PI. 170:8 10, etc. 88 Ibid., PI. 171:12, 14. 88 Pittioni, R., Urgeschichte des österreichischen Raumes. Vienna (1954) 168. 37