Neolithic Ceramic Complex of Chekalino IV Site: morphology, technology, chronology

The paper contains the results of studying ceramics from Chekalino IV site located on the Sok River in the Samara region. It is a reference monument in the development of the issues of the Early Neolithic of the Volga region. The analysis involved materials of 1990s publications, as well as the new excavations of 2007, which have not been published in detail. The study was conducted with the use of a complex approach, including the morphological classification of ceramics; serial radiocarbon dating of complexes and groups of Neolithic ceramics; studying of pottery technology using the A. A. Bobrinsky's method based on binocular microscopy, traseology and experiment in the form of physical modelling. Ceramic materials from the following territories of Eastern Europe were analyzed within the framework of a unified research approach and the application of similar methods: Northern Caspian region, steppe Lower Volga region, Middle Volga region, Cis-Kama region, Sura-Moksha interfluve, and Mari Volga region. Of particular importance is the inclusion of materials from one of the main monuments of Elshanka culture in this source database. New radiocarbon dating results obtained on the basis of materials from the site are introduced into scientific discourse. The paper features an interpretation of obtained results and establishes the cultural and chronological position of Chekalino IV site within the system of Neolithic antiquities of the Volga region.