Neolithic sites in Kosovo

This article is about Neolithic sites in Kosovo.

The New Stone Age – Neolithic settlements in Kosovo

The warm and humid climate of the Holocene that came soon after the last ice melting of the last glacial period, brought changes in the nature, which were reflected in humans as well as in the flora and fauna of the general living environment. This climatic stabilization influenced changes in the human's life's and activities. The human society from now is characterized by the changes in community organization and especially in the establishment of permanent settlements, set in dry places, near the river shores and on fertile plateaus.

Neolithic man They now mastered stone and tooled weapons, tools and even used stone for the primitive architecture. The main cultural characteristics of the new stone age (Neolithic), are primarily based on the archaeological documentation, and the most present material are stone modeled materials, therefore we know this period as New Stone Age or Neolithic civilization (Neo-new, Lithos-stone). During this period major changes occur, thus influenced the way of living, from a lifestyle of hunting and gathering to agriculture and settlement.

During this period, which can be attributed to the domestication of animals and very important the pottery production emerged with other supporting professions that lead to the development and prosperity of the human civilization.

The Neolithic man now leaves hunting and gathering as the primal profession, which influenced new way of living, from nomadic to semi nomadic living. Moreover, the crop cultivation was the main economical activity, and the work on the land is done using the stone, animal bone/horn and wooden materials. It should be emphasized that during this period, the role of the woman shifts to the first plan, mostly involved in creation of clothing, pottery production, taking care for the living space and children, food preparation and small animal domestication. All previously mentioned work is done by the Neolithic woman. Anthropomorphic figurines discovered all around the world as well as in our country prove this argument whereas in most cases, the human modeled figurines were created in the schematic shape in most of the cases present female bodies.

The main economical sources of the Neolithic period were; agriculture, manufacturing tools, weapons and pottery, domestication and animal breeding, farming, (pastoral economy) and to a smaller portion hunting and fishing. Therefore the settlements were erected near the natural resources. The majority of Neolithic sites that were researched in our country shed light on the fact that dwellings were built with the usage of circumstantial materials found near the settlements. Neolithic settlements where in most cases constructed of built huts with wooden frames and sticks, coated with soil and mixed with oaten chaff, while roofs of the huts were constructed with inter twisted cane and rye chaff.

Even though among archaeologists and academics there are different perceptions regarding the time span and Neolithic dating, it can be argued that the time frame 6500–3500 BC should be regarded as the relative real extent of the Neolithic period in the Balkans.

The cave and rock art is proved in our country confirming the usage of caves as temporary shelters for defense, but also as the prehistoric cult places, for the worship of gods of the polytheistic pagan world. The main cult was attributed to the mother goddess. This is an undisputed proof that mother (woman) figure takes an important place since she runs the house, takes care of the family, is involved in the process of cultural and economic development as well as social organization of the family. Such position of Neolithic woman is also known as the period of matriarchate which is a distinguished feature of Neolithic period.

Settlements

Vlašnja

The archaeological site, respectively the multi layer settlement of Vlašnja, is located on a flat plateau of a raised rocky terrace (335 meters above the sea level), on the right side of Pristina-Zhur road, approximately 6 km west of Prizren. Continuity of life throughout several periods was evidenced at this site. Commencing from the early Ne-Vlašnjaolithic (Starčevo Culture), Middle and Late Neolithic (Vinča Culture), Copper Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Hellenistic Period and lasted all through the Late Antiquity and Early Medieval. The discovered archaeological materials at this site, mostly recorded during the season excavations carried out on the first part of the second millennium, revealed a certain amount of various fragments of clay pottery and fragmented vessels, stone tools, flint and bone tools, and other artifacts of either decorative or utilitarian material, coins. During the Late Antiquity, the settlement of Vlašnja known by the toponomy Gradišta of Vlašnja, was fortified with constructed walls, typical characteristic of the refortification era carried out by Byzantine emperor Justinian the Great. Furthermore, the fortified area included approximately 2 hectares and most likely was used as an observation point of the Roman road segment known as the Via Lissus-Naissus that bypassed the Vlašnja settlement. Diverse fragments of painted with geometrical lines pottery have been unearthed, as well as flint knife of the Neolithic epoch, respectively Starčevo culture, sixth millennium BC. Different anthropomorphic figurines are discovered at the excavations carried out during the first decades of the second millennium (2002–2010), from which one distinguished human shaped figurine which is a typical Starčevo Culture of the early Neolithic period from the sixth millennium BC. Also Zoomorphic figurine discovered in Vlašnjč, of Early Neolithic period, respectively, sixth millennium BC. A particular baked clay pot, with decoration, was discovered in Vlašnja, this of Late Neolithic period, typical for the Vinča Culture, third millennium BC. Different table vessels from the baked clay, of the Bronze Age Period, were found at this site. Rock painting of Vlašnja is a rock shelter formed by the overhang of a cliff characteristic with the painted symbol of the spirals, represents an artistic-spiritual world of the prehistoric inhabitants of this site (cult place) the rock cave with this art is situated around 1, 5 km west from the Vlašnja archaeological site. Among many findings of different historical period discovered in Vlašnja, is a specific silver coin minted in the year 55 BC. The coin weights 3.72 grams, and was exchanged in the honor of the Crete edile, the distinguished Gnaeus Plancius.

Runik

The Neolithic site of Runik, is situated in the Municipality of Skenderaj, at the Runik village. The site is positioned at the Drenica plateau approximately 25 km southwest from Mitrovica and around 10 km northwest from Skenderaj, close to the road direction that connects Skenderaj with Istog. The Runik Neolithic site is one of the most prominent early new Stone Age sites discovered so far in Kosovo, typical for Starcevo Culture, respectively the sixth millennium BC, reflecting one of the most developed civilizations of this time. Furthermore, this archaeological site was investigated from 1966–68 and again in 1984. Archaeological researches’ through trial trenches were carried out in around 35 private parcels of the Dardania neighborhood of the Runik village. A vast movable material and fragments of pottery of the Neolithic date (6500-3500BC) where collected and recorded here, evidencing the both Neolithic, respectively, Starcevo and Vinca cultures. Advanced researches were carried out at this site during March 2010; investigations with the character of surveys known as the prospection or geophysical recording with the aid of magnetometer were conducted in two parts of this archaeological area, that all together sum up to 10000 meters square. This open Neolithic settlement was characterized by traces of the remains of constructed huts which were reinforced with wooden corded joists, without floor levels. From the discovered movable archaeological material at this site, the most dominant are the fragments of monochrome pottery with red gloss; as well earthenware decorated with the barbotine and impresso technique, but also painted ceramic pottery with the linear and geometric motifs, too. Also, at this site anthropomorphic figurines and cult tables or small altars were unearthed. Among different dishes discovered in Runik, a baked clay vase draws the attention. The vase was tinted with ocher colors and painted with dark colors and decorated in the shape of spiral with the motive of palm of the hand. Amid the diverse discovered artifacts recorded at this representative Neolithic site, a unique artifact was found, presenting a rare and exclusive discovery not just for Kosovo, but for wider region, too. This particular modeled fine cleaned baked clay handcraft creation measures 8 cm in height, with finger holes on the axles and a mouthpiece on the highest ax. The ocarina is a Neolithic flute-like wind instrument and was named Runik Ocarina, the earliest prehistoric musical instrument ever recorded in Kosovo. The sounds and warm vibrations released by this instrument transmit vivid reflections of the wealthy spiritual and musical world of the Neolithic man of this region.

Varosh

The identified Neolithic site of Varosh is situated in the municipality of Ferizaj, respectively, located only 2 km south, southeast from the city, on the flat terrain of the Varosh village. Even though this Neolithic settlement was not archaeologically excavated, nor was investigated through the trial trenches, in several cases, occasional traces and remains of different Neolithic ceramic fragments were recorded, which happened during the work on the fields. The majority of the revealed movable archaeological materials clearly indicate traces of a nucleated Neolithic settlements of Starcevo and Vinca cultures. During 2011, in some parcels of this archaeological site, geophysical recordings, respectively, magnetometer survey were carried out, resulting with reflection of several underneath structures that might indicate the remains of Neolithic houses/dwellings.

Zhitkoc and Karagaç

The Neolithic site of Zhitkoc is situated in the municipality of Zveçan, approximately 3 km north from Zveçan, set on a plateau near the train station of Zhitkoc. In 1958, several test excavations were carried out near the river Ibër shore, which resulted with evidencing remains of typical Neolithic settlement of both cultures, the earlier one-Starcevo and the later one, Vinca culture. The neighboring archaeological site of Karagaç, is situated in a lower terrace along the shoreline of the river flow. The site was investigated during 1955 and 1960. The archeological results reflected occupation during the middle Neolithic, respectively, the settlement was established on the major part consisted by half earth grounded ellipsoid huts protected with ditches. Inside the houses/dwellings, a considerable amount of Starcevo culture pottery production was discovered. Moreover, the settlement continued to exist in a later phase, whereas; the huts were constructed with intertwined timber beams coated with earth/mud. Based on the discovered fragments of ceramic and anthropomorphic figurines, this settlement was inhabited also during the earlier phase of the Late Neolithic, respectively Vinca culture. Beside Neolithic material, at the same area, a certain amount of remains and traces of a settlement and cemetery of Bronze and Iron Age, was proven, an undisputed fact that clearly illustrates the life continuation from the prehistoric period.

Vallaç

The village of Vallaç is situated north of Zhitkoc-Karagaç, in close vicinity of the Ibër river delta, set on the upraised terrace known as the Vallaç rock. The site was investigated partially in two seasons; 1955 and 1957. Within the 1.8 meter deep cultural layer, remains of the settlement, respectively dwellings were recorded, mainly composed of the huts constructed by timber beams and protected by ditches around circular dwellings. Amid the abundant discovered archaeological material at this site, characteristics are considerable amount of the anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figurines, modeled and carefully designed typical terracotta statues for the Late Neolithic Vinca Culture, known as the Vinca C. Another peculiar feature discovered at this location was evidenced below the Neolithic layers, confirming the continuation of the site occupation during the Late Iron Age with fortified traverses that protected the entrance of the settlement.

Reshtan

Reshtan is a Neolithic settlement situated in the vicinity of Suhareka (positioned on the close proximity of the road Suharekë-Prizren). This archaeological site went through investigations carried out in two seasons 1966/67, which had the character of the archaeological survey. During March 2011, a considerable surface of this site was under a field prospection, respectively, geophysical survey recorded a certain amount of the surface. Nevertheless, at the same year, archaeological excavations conducted here, unearthed an area of 250 m², investigations that resulted with documenting three occupation layers of the middle Neolithic and the beginning of the Late Neolithic date (4200–3800 BC). In the 2 meter thick cultural layer, three horizons of occupations were recorded, indicating remains and traces of houses with fireplace and protection ditches. Based on the discovered fragments of pottery, the analogy of forms and ornamentation led to conclusion that beside the Vinca Culture, here, at this site, there was a strong presence of the Danilo Adriatic Culture.

Barilevë

The Neolithic site of Barileva, is situated at the village with the same name, stretched at the fertile fields known locally as the 'Arat Kovaçe' (English; Kovaçe fields). The first signs of archaeological value of this archaeological site were recorded in the '60s, with accidental discovery of a particular terracotta figurine, typical for the Vinca Culture. Interestingly, this Neolithic settlement is situated near the river flow of the Llap River; this clearly reflects the fact that usually, Neolithic dwellings were set in fertile lands nearby or close to the river shores. In regard, during the 2011, geophysical survey (magnetometer prospection) conducted at large part of this area, resulted with confirmation of vast archaeological potential of this spread Neolithic settlement.

Bardhosh

Bardhosh is positioned north of Prishtina, set on the left side of the road to Podujeva. The Neolithic site of Bardhosh was accidentally discovered in 2002, on the occasion of opening foundations in order to build a private house together with accompanying annexes. The immediate rescue excavations carried out at this location firmly confirmed remains and ruins of the Neolithic dwellings, houses with fireplaces, stone Hawn working tools, vessels and fragments of ceramic, etc. Furthermore, a quantity of qualitative anthropomorphic terracotta figurines discovered here, typical for the Vinca Culture but with the distinctive feature of Kosovar variant of so-called 'Pristina style' were proved at this distinguished site.

Tjerrtorja – Prishtinë

The Neolithic site of Tjerrtorja was identified accidentally in the '50s of the last century, when the factory was started to be built, known as the cotton and textile production plant Tjerrtorja. The Neolithic site was named based on the discovery place. The archaeological site is situated at Prishtina’s suburban neighborhood known as Kalabria. The settlement traces of Neolithic data were recorded at this site and the rich and abundant recovered archaeological material composed of terracotta figurines, human shaped statues and baked clay anthropomorphic artifacts, and other finds discovered at this Pristina location, do clearly present two marvelous Neolithic/Vinca features; the artistic and symbolic prehistoric achievements. In regard, the gorgeous sculptured terracotta figurines discovered in this Pristina area, came to light as results of several rescue excavations carried in the second part of the 20th century; (in 1951, 1955–56 and 1962). Amid several discovered marvelous artifacts, the most impressive one is the so-called Goddess on Throne, which according to the eminent British archaeologist, Professor Renfrew, belong to the distinctive group of Kosovar Vinca Culture, of the ‘Pristina Style’; due to figured and artistic distinguished features. The terracotta figurines of this archaeological site are distinguished with particular features of the carefully modeled heads, emphasized noses and big convex eyes (almond shaped). What’s more, one of the most reputed world leading prehistorians now late professor Maria Gimbutas, has argued that individual gods can be seen among the figurines discovered in Pristina, always referring to Goddess on Throne as unique artifact. Goddess on throne is one of the most precious archaeological artifacts of Kosovo. The terracotta figurine is exhibited at the permanent archaeological exposition hall at the Kosovo Museum. The figurine represents a female deity, reflecting the cult of the great mother idol. The anthropomorphic figurine in appearance displays a stoic female posture, in sitting position, with two hands lean on the waist, and set on the throne. The figurine's head is five angular with sharp facial contours. A diadem is set above the head in shape of the semicircular ridge hunch. The figurine is typical for the Kosovar variant of the Vinca Culture, respectively Pristina distinctive style. The terracotta statuette dates sometime between the forth-third millennium BC. Accordingly, the Kosovo Museum has adopted the image of the Goddess on Throne as distinctive institution’s logo. Nevertheless, the image of the Goddess on Throne has been adopted as the symbol of Prishtina.

Fafos - Mitrovicë

The archaeological site of Fafos is situated in the suburban area of Mitrovica, set within the industrial quarter of the FAFOS factory, (phosphates production). The site was investigated during the time frame of 1955 and 1961. In total, approximately, 1200 square meters were excavated, confirming the presence of two Neolithic (Vinca culture) settlements set apart from one another around 200 meters. The earlier date settlement (Fafos I) comprised characteristic dwellings of half buried shelter huts, whereas, the later date settlement (Fafos II) consisted of house-huts aligned one aside the other. The archaeological research revealed the fact that the majority of the unearthed remains of the huts where destroyed in an extensive fire. In both settlements different objects of everyday use were discovered, as for example: cult objects, rite vases and anthropomorphic figurines.

Bibliography

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