Archaeology, Ethnology & Anthropology of Eurasia 50 (4) 2022   doi:10.17746/1563-0110.2022.50.4.039-048

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Ceramic “Necklace”:
A Neolithic Ritual Artifact from the Lower Amur

V.E. Medvedev

Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pr. Akademika Lavrentieva 17, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia

This article continues a series of publications presenting the results of excavations, at sites exceptionally rich in archaeological finds associated with several Neolithic cultures, at Suchu Island in the Lower Amur region. We describe rare ritual sculptures, mostly bird-like and animal-like, from a sanctuary in a dwelling associated with the Malyshevo culture (late 5th to early 4th millennia BC). The most important of them is a “necklace” found in a small pit. We propose a reconstruction of the artifact. It included 17 tiny items—eight vessels,fivefigurines of birds (auks), and four doubleended phalli, each with a seal head at one end. All the items are pierced, suggesting that they were strung together. Such a “necklace” may have belonged to a shaman or sorcerer, who was in charge of the sanctuary. This suggestion is upheld by other ritual or ceremonial artifacts found in the same dwelling—stone labrets, which, as the ethnographic data suggest, could be fastened to decorative masks, and a ceremonial jug evidently destined for stimulating or intoxicating drinks. An important ritual role was likely played by a female figurine, found near the “necklace” and possibly depicting a progenitress, bringing wealth.

Keywords: Lower Amur, Neolithic, dwelling, sanctuary, Malyshevo culture, “necklace”, ritual items