Antler exploitation and management in the Vinča culture: An overview of evidence from Serbia

Abstract

Antler is a specific osseous raw material – it is a renewable resource, which can be obtained through both hunting and gathering, resilient, strong, and may be available in relatively substantial quantities. Antlers were widely used since the Palaeolithic times and had an important role among the agricultural communities as well. They were used for everyday tools, weapons, jewellery and non-utilitarian items. Antler exploitation may be of particular importance in the studying of raw material managing and relations with the environment. In the Late Neolithic Vinča culture, red deer and occasionally roe deer antlers were used for a variety of purposes, mainly for everyday tools. In this paper will be presented the analysis of the role of antlers in the Vinča culture in Central Balkans, manufacturing techniques, typological repertoire, as well as their importance for studying craft production in general.