2022

rozdział w monografii naukowej

angielski

EN Ornaments made from Lithoglyphus naticoides shells are known from archaeological sites in Central and Southern Europe dating back to the Paleolithic and Mesolithic however, these ornaments most frequently occur in the Neolithic and Middle Copper Age. The largest concentration of the ornaments is known from the area of the Iron Gates (Romanian and Hungarian sites) and along the Danube and its tributaries. The ornaments take the form of simple shell beads with the suspension hole as their only modification. The paper presents detailed analyses of the shell ornaments discovered in graves related to Lublin-Volhynian culture from the south-eastern part of Poland. All beads were found only at three sites, in three graves, next to female skeletons. As indicated by use-wear traces the beads were ornaments worn for a prolonged time during the individual’s lifetime before they were interred in graves. The importance of Lithoglyphus is primarily visible in its non-local origin and the effort made in its acquisition. Behind this shell’s value as an imported item, its presence at these sites provides further evidence for migration routes, long-distance cultural interaction, and exchange; as such, it also serves as an important visual marker of identity, social status, a symbol of wealth and prestige, a reflection of traditions, ancestor legacies, beliefs, and rituals.

109 - 119

From farmers to heroes? Archaeological Studies in Honor of Sławomir Kadrow

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