Characterization of red ochre in the Dutch Linearbandkeramik

As evident from archaeological excavation, red ochre, or hematite-rich ironstones, was widely used for ceremonial, mortuary, and other purposes in the Dutch Linearbandkeramik (LBK). Two regional groups of LBK settlements are known within the Netherlands, Graetheide and Caberg. Although these sites have some remarkable differences, they also have some remarkable similarities, making it that the jury is still out on whether they should be classified as a different regional groups or not. This study aims to help in this line of questioning by analysing the differences between the red ochre finds of a set of sites from both groups. The samples have been studied morphologically and have been analysed by handheld X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (HH-XRF). A subset of the sample has also been analysed using laboratory X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) in order to evaluate the reliability of the HH-XRF results. This resulted in three groups of red ochre with different geological origin...Show moreAs evident from archaeological excavation, red ochre, or hematite-rich ironstones, was widely used for ceremonial, mortuary, and other purposes in the Dutch Linearbandkeramik (LBK). Two regional groups of LBK settlements are known within the Netherlands, Graetheide and Caberg. Although these sites have some remarkable differences, they also have some remarkable similarities, making it that the jury is still out on whether they should be classified as a different regional groups or not. This study aims to help in this line of questioning by analysing the differences between the red ochre finds of a set of sites from both groups. The samples have been studied morphologically and have been analysed by handheld X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (HH-XRF). A subset of the sample has also been analysed using laboratory X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) in order to evaluate the reliability of the HH-XRF results. This resulted in three groups of red ochre with different geological origin being identified. Two of these had been formed through chemical sedimentation, one of which has ooidal grains while the other does not. The third group is of (sicili)clastic sedimentary origin. Both optical (morphological) examination and HH-XRF have been found suitable for identification of all three categories. There appear to be no significant differences between the sites from the two regional groups in terms of types of red ochre found. This could be the result of tradition in exploitation of similar sources or exchange networks, but could also be pertaining to the differences in functionality of the three categories. As no specialisation is known between LBK settlements or households, the uniform distribution of red ochre over the categories could also be a representation of the different uses of the different types.Show less

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Characterization of red ochre in the Dutch Linearbandkeramik