engleski

Childhood charms. Animal remains and representations from Mesolithic child burials in Northern Europe

This contribution examines animal remains, objects made from animal remains and animal representations found in relation with child burials in the Mesolithic of Northern Europe. These finds have often been given general and brief interpretations. For example, objects made from animal remains, such as tooth pendants and necklaces have usually been interpreted simply as decorations, amulets, and are commonly seen as indicators of social status of the individual. Furthermore, when found in mixed child and adult burials they are often attributed to adults only. By discussing Mesolithic and near-recent hunter-gatherers communities in Northern Europe and with the aid of Siberian ethnographic literature this contributions sets to explore possibilities for broadening our understandings of such objects and ways in which they relate to children. The paper explores their ability to affect and alter the perception of the world, increase quality of children’s lives and develop their personality.

animal remains, animal representation, child burials, hunter-gatherers

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