토기 압흔법을 활용한 중부 동해안지역 신석기시대 식물자원 이용 연구 -고성 문암리유적, 양양 오산리·송전리유적을 중심으로-

Abstract

This research aims to explore the pattern of of plant use in the central east coast during the Neolithic period, (also known as Chulmun) by analyzing grain impressions on pottery. The sites studied are the Middle Neolithic Songjeonri site in Yangyang County, and two multi-component settlements, dating to the Incipient (8000-6500 BP) to Middle Neolithic (5500-4500 BP) phases at Munamri in Goseong County and Osanri C in Yangyang. One radiocarbon date on charcoal is available from the Incipient Neolithic at Munamri (6560-6550 cal. BP, 1 σ, 5790±40 uncal. BP, Beta288910), while the Osanri C yields one date on charcoal (6660-6560 cal. BP, 1 σ, 5804±33 uncal. BP, PLD7646) from the Incipient Neolithic house where pottery with possibly azuki impression is recovered. A series of radiocarbon dates in the Middle Neolithic contexts at all three sites fall into the date of 5470-4090 cal. BP. (1 σ). Among a total of 174 impressions on 208 vessels and burnt clay lump, 119 represent plant seeds, while one is a mold of an insect (Hemiptera order). Grain impressions represent two domesticated taxa, including foxtail millet (Setaria italica ssp. italica) from all three Middle Neolithic sites and broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) from the Middle Neolithic Munamri and Songgeonri. Impressions of foxtail (24) counts more than broomcorn (5). Two bean impressions are on the Incipient Neolithic pottery of Osanri C and from the Middle Neolithic pottery of Songjeonri. Their overall shapes are somewhat similar to azuki (Vigna angularis ssp.), but their length measures fall short, compared to the charred azuki remains from other Middle Neolithic sites. Other economic plant taxa represented are four grains of shiso/egoma (Perilla frutescenes) and ruderal weeds, including foxtail grass (Setaria sp.) from two impressions and millet tribe (Paniceae) from twenty. In addition, spicebush (Lindera sp.) and possibly hop (Humulus sp.) are identified, but the rest 50 impressions cannot be identified in the current study. The presence of foxtail millet, broomcorn millet, Perilla, and possibly azuki in the Middle Neolithic pottery indicate the establishment of multi-cropping, dry field farming along the central east coast by the Middle Neolithic, around 5470-4090 cal. BP. Previous confirmed study shows that azuki use during the Middle Neolithic (5400-4800 cal. BP). This study raises a question on whether use of azuki might have begun during the Inital Neolithic, eventually leading to a gradual increase of seed size toward the the Middle Neolithic and thereafter. At the moment, identification of legumes are not conclusive, and this hypothesis needs to be strengthen with more than a few grain impressions. This study also finds that crop products were mixed in temper possibly to decrease a breakage. Although evidence is only limited in clay lump from Songjeonri, insertion of crops and harmful agricultural pests into temper may indicate a ritual practice for agricultural prosperity during the Middle Neolithic period. Some taxa identified from impressions are consistent with those of charred grains from the Munamri site, while others are identified from either impressions or charred remains. This research therefore provides an incentive for multi-line approaches to increase a comprehensive understanding of plant use in the past.