The Use of Heated River Pebbles in Everyday Life by the Population of the Early Neolithic Novopetrovka Culture of the Western Amur Region

Abstract

Purpose. This article presents a study of burnt and cracked river pebbles to determine their role in the economic and household life of the population of the Early Neolithic Novopetrovka culture of sedentary fishermen on the Amur River. More than 320 pebbles from dwellings and more than 1430 fragments from the habitation zone were taken into account. Results. Retrospective research has shown that hot pebbles could have been used in various household situations: for cooking in wooden and leather vessels, for additional heating of homes, and for obtaining water from snow and ice. It was noted that sled dogs were fed in dwellings in winter where fish was boiled in wooden troughs using hot pebbles. It has been found that maintaining a large number of dogs requires a constant food source, such as fishing. Conclusion. The way the dogs were fed indicates that they were organized and controlled packs. It is possible that among the population of the Novopetrovkа culture on the Amur River, dog breeding already represented one of the first manifestations of an extensive form of productive economy. During that time, dogs could perform various functions: guarding their owner’s home; serving as a source of food, hides, wool, and down; participating in hunting; and pulling sleds or drags. The latter was essential due to the supply of tuff from the right bank of the Amur River for making various tools.