Модельки глиняних сокирок із поселення культури лійчастого посуду Зимне на Волині

Abstract

Miniature clay axes are among the rarest and most mysterious finds in the culture of Funnelbeaker culture. In the scientific literature, they are mentioned briefly, mainly in the context of the publication of materials with assumptions about their probable purpose. The historiography of these subjects is insignificant; it is limited by several thorough articles with different, often debatable interpretations. Miniature axes appeared in the Eneolithic era and were found over a wide area in various archaeological cultures, often unrelated in time or space. The production of these items is most characteristic of the Funnelbeaker culture, especially for its eastern and south-eastern groups. Importantly, within these groups, small axes are common in particular local areas. In the south-eastern group, the main settlements, with the findings of clay models of axes, are Zymne and Gródek. It can be considered that these were permanent, central settlements, with developed spiritual traditions, which were spread and maintained among the relatives from the adjacent areas. It is obvious that the appearance of clay axes in the Trypillia culture in Volhynia was influenced by Funnelbeaker culture. Both cultures contact actively with each other, especially on the borderlands. Key words: Funnelbeaker culture, a cult of ax, ritual, models, imports.