Stylized animal images in the bone inventory of Mesolithic Hunters-Fishers at Zamostje 2 (Volga-Oka region)

Relationship between the prehistoric human and the surrounding fauna has always been of a complex nature and consisted of material and non-material elements. Sculptural images of animals and birds made of various materials (bone, antler, flint, or wood) are a typical feature of the surviving evidence of the spiritual culture of Mesolithic and Neolithic population in Eastern Europe and the Urals. Realistic and stylized animal images were used to decorate ceremonial and everyday objects including weapons and knives, skis and paddles, axes and wooden utensils. This paper aims to evaluate some patterns in decorative activities and priorities in depicting certain zoomorphic images on an example of small series of Late Mesolithic artefacts from well-known site Zamostje 2, which is located in the Volga-Oka region. Unique preservation conditions in this wetland settlement contributed to accumulation of rich and diverse materials including a large set of decorated objects. This paper focuses on zoomorphic knife handle ends and stylized animal figurines made of bone and wood, which are brought together and considered in this perspective for the first time ever. All knives and pins were involved in production or domestic activities, while some figures carried a non-utilitarian magic function. The site area, obviously, served both for everyday life and for performance of some rites. For the first time for scope of Late Mesolithic settlements, a conclusion is drawn about a possible connection between the image of a duck and a snake.

Automated summary

This study evaluates patterns in decorative activities and priorities in depicting certain zoomorphic images by examining artifacts from a Late Mesolithic site in the Volga-Oka region. Realistic and stylized animal images were used to decorate ceremonial and everyday objects, with some figures carrying non-utilitarian magic functions. The site served for both everyday life and performance of rites, hinting at a possible connection between the image of a duck and a snake for the first time in Late Mesolithic settlements.