Бытовые предметы XIII—XV веков из некрополя Альт-Велау

Abstract

The article examines composition and morphology of household items that were found in burials of the second half of the 13th—15th centuries in necropolis of Alt-Wehlau situated in Prussian land Nadrovia. These items include razors, flints, whetstones, keys and comb that were common in everyday life of local population and were used as a part of burial inventory under the influence of pagan rite preserved until the 16th century. The study of items composition and morphology relied on the typological and comparative-historical methods that allowed to make following conclusions. Razors of type 1 and flints of types 1—4 were most frequently used in burials both separately and in combination with each other. Items were mainly located near pelvic and femoral bones due the tradition to wear them on the belt. During the specified period household items demonstrated tendency to unification on the form, composition and location in burials. Comparing them with the same items from other necropolis and cities of Order’s state and neighboring Zhemaitiya, the authors concluded that, on the one hand, unified material culture influenced on the household use of inhabitants of Alt-Wehlau and, on the other hand, such usage reflected some regional differences.