Archaeology, Ethnology & Anthropology of Eurasia 38 (2) 2010

Annotation:  Human Environment in the Nakhichevan Region during the Mousterian (Based on the Gazma Cave Site, Az The Earliest Evidence of Human Occupation in Southeastern Europe: A Processed Camel Bone Fragment f Holocene Dwellings in the Russian Far East: A Functional and Planigraphic Analysis Koshkino Bone and Horn Artifacts from Mergen-6 Glass Beads from Russian Villages in the Middle Irtysh Area with Reference to the Trade Links of Ru Radiocarbon Dating of Oglakhty Grave Using a Wiggle Matching Method Plant Remains from Noin Ula Burial Mounds 20 and 31 (Northern Mongolia) Elemental Analysis of Ceramic Incrustation Indicates Long-Term Cultural Continuity in the Prehistor “Staffs with Elk Heads” in the Culture of the Ancient Population of the Eastern Urals, Northern and Objects with “Animal and Rider Imagery on the Base” in the Medieval Culture of Northern Eurasia Khar Chuluu: A New Rock Art Site in the Mongolian Altai Genealogy of the Siberian Bukharians: The Imyaminov Clan Clothing in Yakut Traditional Wedding Rituals (19th–20th Centuries) The Yzykh in the Context of Traditional Khakassian Beliefs Daurs and Barguts: Issues of Ethnic History Komi-Permyak Traditional Culture: Photographic Collection by A.F. Teploukhov on Early 20th-century U The Population History of the Korean Peninsula: Dental Evidence Growth and Development of Russian and Tatar Children and Adolescents in Naberezhnye Chelny   

“Staffs with Elk Heads” in the Culture of the Ancient Population of the Eastern Urals, Northern and Eastern Europe

A.M. Zhulnikov and E.A. Kashina.

This study examines the so-called “staffs with elk heads” – carved Г-shaped objects with a top in the form of an elk head – and their representations in rock art from the Late Mesolithic to the Chalcolithic period. The morphology, geographical location, chronology, and archaeological context of these objects are analyzed. They were sacred objects, and mature and elderly men used them in rituals. In terms of semantics, these things were likely to have many meanings. They could be linked both to the idea of fertility and to the idea that maturity and old age could be correlated with the fall-winter season. “Staffs with elk heads” on petroglyphs are represented as magic objects embodying the symbolism of the Universe.

Keywords: Mesolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, carved representations, petroglyphs, elk, reindeer.