Settlements of Corded Ware culture of Upper Dnister region: conditions and perspective of research

Abstract

The article is devoted to the settlements of the Corded Ware culture in the Upper Dnister region, which is situated here in III kyr BC. The source base of the study includes 24 sites (Bovshiv, Goncharivka, Humnyska, Zatoka I–II, Kavske, Karachyniv, Klishchivna, Kolodruby, Korchivka, Lviv (Zamkova Gora), Mshana, Nyzhankovychi (3 sites), Pidmostychi, Pidgoroddya I, Pryima I, Side, Stary Sambir I, Khyriv, Fraga, Yagodivtsi), which are one-third of the generally known. Link to topographic conditions was made for 21 sites, which showed that most of them (43%) are located on the first floodplain terraces of rivers and small streams adjacent to them (Bovshiv, Lviv, Nyzhankovychi I–III, Pidmostychi, Side). Terrace settlements are situated at significant heights (360–410 m above sea level). The group of cape sites includes seven settlements or 38% of the total number with defined topography (Humnyska, Zatoka I–II, Korchivka, Pidgoroddya, Pryima). Some cape settlements are located on the sloping banks of small rivers and streams, others – on the banks of tributaries of the Dniester River. Settlements on dunes in the valleys of the rivers are 19%. In such topographic conditions, settlements are located in Mshana and Kolodruby, as well as in the wetlands of the floodplain of the Stupnytsia River near Kavske. Archaeological excavations have been carried out in only four settlements (Bovshiv, Kavske, Pryima, Side). At the settlement in Side, several objects have been explored, represented exclusively by hearths. Apart from the cultural layer, no objects have been found in the settlements in Bovshiv. Remains of a cultural layer with flint artefacts and fragments of pottery have been found in a multi-layered settlement in Pryima. Several fireplace pits and ash spots have been discovered in Kavske. In chronological terms, the studied stationary settlements indicate the duration of the traditions of settlement structures. Thus, the settlement in Side belongs to the early phase of development of the culture, while in Kavske – to the late one. Settlements in Bovshiv and Pryima must be considered critically because a strong possibility exists that these sites belong to the Epi-Corded Ware culture horizon. Key words: Corded Ware culture, Upper Dnister region, settlement, topography, cape, floodplain, terrace, cultural layer, hearth, dating.