The Early Neolithic Settlement at Velesnica: Lithic and Osseous Industries

Abstract

The site of Donja Strana-Velesnica was one of several prehistoric sites researched within the rescue excavations project “Đerdap II” in the Iron Gates region. It was excavated during the period of 1980–84 by R. Vasić. Remains from the Eneolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and historic periods were discovered, and the most important finds come from the horizons belonging to the Early Neolithic Starčevo culture. The possibility of the presence of a Mesolithic horizon was not confirmed with certainty. The Starčevo culture horizon included settlement remains as well as sev eral graves, and rich portable material. In this paper, lithic and osseous industries from the Neolithic layers will be presented and discussed within the regional context.