Lubor Smejtek

The work is a general analysis and evaluation of the results of an extensive rescue excavation (2.939 features, out of which 1.470 were post and column holes), that was carried out by the Archaia company at the Kněževes site (Praha-západ district) in the year 1998. In an area of more than 10 ha, evidence of settlement in several prehistoric and historic periods was recorded (Neolithic, Eneolithic, Hallstatt period, Early La Tène, Hillfort period), however, it was particularly the Bronze Age, where the majority of the finds belong. An analysis from different viewpoints, supplemented with selective descriptive and visual documentation, represents the focal point of the submitted treatise. In the introductory part, there are described the progress and methods of excavation, the geomorphologic conditions, the subsoil and soil coverage on the site, as well as the expected vegetation in the area of interest on the basis of scientific analyses (macroremains, charcoal). Attention is paid also to the history of archaeological research within the cadastre of the current village of Kněževes and the neighbouring Kněžívka. From the beginning of the Bronze Age (the early phase of the Únětice culture) date 24 inhumation graves equipped with pottery and occasionally also with copper/bronze earrings. 16 features of settlement character belong to the same time period. The rare use of the site in the Middle Bronze Age (Tumulus culture, Br B–C: 12 features + intrusion) was succeeded by intensive settlement activities in the following time period of the Late to Final Bronze Age (Bylany and Štítary cultures, Br C2/D – Ha B2-3: 1.222 datable features). The most numerous features, with conclusive dating material, were storage pits (granaries), of which, in the majority of cases, just the lower parts or bottoms remained preserved. Also larger, relatively deeper irregular pits occurred (so-called clay pits). Post or possibly column holes, indicating overhead wooden constructions of residential buildings, could only seldom be clearly classed as belonging to the Urnfield period. The main components of the recorded rich assemblages of the Knovíz and Štítary cultures were analysed separately. Their most important part is traditionally represented by numerous pottery fragments that were, from the typological-chronological viewpoint, observed within the framework of 389 selected characteristic complexes. In a number of features, other clay artefacts were present as well, such as weaving weights, wheels, spindle whorls etc. In total, 65 bronze artefacts were found, whereas these are predominantly tinier items or their fragments, possibly lost in the settlement. A certain exception is represented by personal jewellery (wire hair decorations and rings), recorded on human skeletons in settlement features. The most numerous and chronologically most important are pins (23 pieces). Other objects, such as needles, awls, arrowheads, fragments of sheet-metals, bars and wires, a ring, a sickle tang, a clamp, etc. are present as well. The preserved material sources are also supplemented by bone and horn industry (e.g. chisels, awls, points, smoothers, spatulae, “skates”, hammers etc.) whereas the function of smooth and sometimes even decorated talus bones of cattle remains unclear (gaming stones?). The percentage of stone industry was also quite significant. It fulfilled especially the function of striking tools (chipping tools, mallets, retouchers), but also of different smoothers and working pads. Also crushers and pads for grinding grain are represented. Indirect evidence of bronze smelting was also found on the site. This is a fragment of a half of a stone mould made of local raw material that most probably served for the manufacture of socket chisels. Rarely, also traces of raw bronze material were detected on pottery fragments and on a stone core. Special attention was paid to two features that contained numerous fragments of flat dish-shaped saucers with a twisted rim. These were interpreted as probable secondarily deposited sacrificial offerings. In one of these features, there were, on top of that, also fragments of large branching “stands” made of imperfectly burnt clay that, in the context of several lines of post holes, could point to the existence of a large overhead wooden structure of ritual character, possibly a sanctuary. In several settlement features, there were found human skeletons or their parts, often in non-anatomical positions. The remains of several individuals (both adults and children) thrown into a pit were not exceptional, along with “burials” of separate skulls or discoveries of individual human bones in the fills. In total, 107 individuals were documented, originating from 78 features the majority of which belonged to the Knovíz culture. Several settlement pits contained whole skeletons of animals. Complex analysis of the material assemblage enabled us to distinguish six basic settlement horizons, copying, as a rule, the main development trends that can be observed in the course of the Late and Final Bronze Age. Settlement activity on the site was most intensive in the peak period of the Knovíz culture (Ha A2/B1), however, it significantly dropped during the following period of the Štítary culture (Ha B2-3). This could possibly be related to intense Final Bronze Age settlement on a nearby site in the cadastral area of Kněžívka. The absolute dating of the Kněževes settlement was confirmed by four radiocarbon measurements.

An Ennsdorf type bronze knife from Dřevčice near Dubá in the České Lípa region

In 2018, an unknown detectorist found a bronze knife with a thorn-shaped tang near the village of Dřevčice (Česká Lípa district, Figs. 1–4). The knife was originally terminated in a loop containing a threaded rivet which had been broken off. The patinated surface of the artefact is covered with numerous parallel and mutually intersecting grooves/scratches of prehistoric age, but of unclear origin (Figs. 5–6). The knife can be classified as the Ennsdorf type and included in a numerous and typologically and chronologically highly varied group of so-called earlier knives with thorns. This geographically relatively widespread type occurring especially in southern and western Germany and Switzerland is predominantly dated to Ha A2, but it may also appear during the subsequent Ha B1 stage.
Thirteen knives of the Ennsdorf type have so far been known from Bohemia, which can be divided into the basic variants of Hanau and Singen (Fig. 7). Due to a coincidence, the most recent specimen was published on the pages of this journal three years ago, along with its detailed typological-chronological analysis and a number of analogies (Smejtek 2020). For this reason, we do not intend to repeat all the in¬formation again.
From a viewpoint of interpretation of this unique find ('one-piece hoard'?), represented by a relatively small bronze artefact, two basic alternatives are available. It could have been an object accidentally lost by someone travelling along a communication corridor leading through the valley between Lhota u Dubé and Drchlava, or perhaps an intentional votive deposition of an object which was probably not functional any more (such as a so-called 'travel' or 'supplication/thanksgiving offering', etc.).

Non-Governmental Organization Archaia (http://www.archaia.cz) carried out the rescue archaeological research at Knezeves near Prague in 1998. Most of dating objects in Knezeves come from the period of Late and Final Bronze Age. The approximately 3,000 years old set, which included 11 human remains from three settlement features, was collected for the study. First, gender was determined according to anthropological characteristics. Ancient DNA from bones was extracted by the phenol-chloroform procedure and N-phenacetylthiazolum bromide reagent. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of AMEL XY, part of amelogenin gene, with subsequent polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Short Tandem Repeats analysis followed. DNA profiles of skeletal remains were obtained by the fragmentation analysis of autosomal short tandem repeat markers. Genetic profiles showed us whether individuals from Knezeves were in mutual relationship (parent - descendant). The congruence of results in sex determinati...

The work is a general analysis and evaluation of the results of an extensive rescue excavation (2.939 features, out of which 1.470 were post and column holes), that was carried out by the Archaia company at the Kněževes site (Praha-západ district) in the year 1998. In an area of more than 10 ha, evidence of settlement in several prehistoric and historic periods was recorded (Neolithic, Eneolithic, Hallstatt period, Early La Tène, Hillfort period), however, it was particularly the Bronze Age, where the majority of the finds belong. An analysis from different viewpoints, supplemented with selective descriptive and visual documentation, represents the focal point of the submitted treatise. In the introductory part, there are described the progress and methods of excavation, the geomorphologic conditions, the subsoil and soil coverage on the site, as well as the expected vegetation in the area of interest on the basis of scientific analyses (macroremains, charcoal). Attention is paid al...

Monumental enclosures are a widespread phenomenon of the European Neolithic. One category of enclosure is the mid-fifth-millennium BC rondel sites of Central Europe. In parts of this region, rondel sites are grouped, drawing attention to notable differences in individual rondel forms. Here, we use Bayesian modelling of radiocarbon dates from the ditches of two rondels at Praha-Krč, Bohemia, to demonstrate their contemporaneity. In turn, this informs interpretations of the role played by multi-rondel sites in symbolic competition between regional communities, who invested in rondels as part of translocal negotiation. The concept of translocality may prove fruitful for the investigation of the monumental architecture of other periods and regions.

A casting mould for the manufacture of bronze pendants was found by chance in 1997. The article concerns the geographical and chronological spread of related types of hourglass (Sanduhranhanger) pendant, and pendants with anthropomorphic designs. The development of these pendants is followed through the course of the Later and Final Bronze Ages (Br D to Ha B3) across the whole of their range, i.e. from south-eastern Europe and the Carpathian basin through the Czech lands to the Baltic. Attention is also paid to the south German cultural sphere, where anthropomorphic pendants with indented terminals (Schwalbenschwanzanhanger) are found; the casting mould from Žichlice comes from the West Bohemian zone with which this latter was in contact, and the pendants made from it have composite morphological elements. According to the results of comparative analysis, the mould can be dated towards the Later Bronze Age, specifically to the Ha B2-3.

V roce 2006 byly v depozitaři Narodniho muzea "znovuobjeveny" dva žebrovane manžetove naramky. Představuji cast výbavy hrobu objeveneho v roce 1903 v Tursku (Praha Zapad). Clanek hodnoti tyto unikatni nalezy z několika uhlů pohledu, vcetně historie objevu, typologicke/chronologicke klasifikace a analýzy materialu, z něhož byly naramky vyrobeny. Zaměřuje se předevsim na korozni vrstvy a zachovane zbytky textilu, stejně tak jako na otazky konzervace.In 2006, two ribbed, cuff bracelets were "rediscovered" in the depository of the National Museum. They form part of the inventory of a grave excavated in 1903 at Tursko (Prague West district). This paper aims to assess these unique items from several points of view, including the history of their discovery, their typological and chronological classification, and analysis of the material from which they were made, above all, analysis of the corrosion layers and surviving textile imprints, as well as questions of conserva...

An Old Únětice cemetery near Řepná Street in Prague-Ďáblice.

In 1993, during a rescue excavation which was carried out due to the channelization of the Mrákotínský brook in Prague-Ďáblice, a small cemetery from the early phase of the Únětice culture was unearthed in fields adjacent to Řepná Street.15 graves were examined – 14 of them formed a group and one grave (No. 42) was isolated, located about 40 m southwest of the main group. This grave had the same orientation and the skeleton was deposited in the same way as in the other graves, however, no grave goods were found, so its dating is unclear.
In the skeletal material recovered from the graves, there have been identified 29 buried individuals in total (7 men, 7 women, 9 children and 6 undeterminable), nevertheless, there could have been even more. In addition to 9 cases of burials containing one individual, also multiple burials occurred – e.g. graves with the remains of two (Nos. 22 C and 53), three (No. 57), four (Nos. 48 and 52) and even five individuals (No. 22 D). The excavation situation in grave 52 can be interpreted as a timber-lined tomb, into which the bones of the deceased were placed.
The grave goods consisted mainly of ceramic vessels whose number ranged from one to five pieces per grave. Copper hair ornaments in the form of a single ring (graves Nos. 22 C, 22 D and 53) or a bone implement together with an ornament (grave No. 22 D) also sporadically occurred. On the basis of analysis of the recovered ceramic assemblages and two sets of radiocarbon data from graves Nos. 22 D and 61, we are able to classify this cemetery as belonging to the early phase of the Old Únětice culture (according to Moucha 1963) or to the close of the first stage of the Early Únětice culture (according to Bartelheim 1998), i.e. to the time period 2281–2051 BC.

Europe’s prehistory oversaw dynamic and complex interactions of diverse societies, hitherto unexplored at detailed regional scales. Studying 271 human genomes dated ~4900 to 1600 BCE from the European heartland, Bohemia, we reveal unprecedented genetic changes and social processes. Major migrations preceded the arrival of “steppe” ancestry, and at ~2800 BCE, three genetically and culturally differentiated groups coexisted. Corded Ware appeared by 2900 BCE, were initially genetically diverse, did not derive all steppe ancestry from known Yamnaya, and assimilated females of diverse backgrounds. Both Corded Ware and Bell Beaker groups underwent dynamic changes, involving sharp reductions and complete replacements of Y-chromosomal diversity at ~2600 and ~2400 BCE, respectively, the latter accompanied by increased Neolithic-like ancestry. The Bronze Age saw new social organization emerge amid a ≥40% population turnover.

Late  and  Final  Bronze  Age  finds  made  near  Osinalická  Street in Prague-Ďáblice.
During arescue excavation in Prague-Ďáblice which took place in 2003 prior to the construction of smallscale apartments between Kučerové and Osinalická Streets (Fig. 1), a total of 157 sunken features were exposed and partly excavated (Fig. 2). In addition to clearly dominant Hallstatt features, also nine settlement pits dating from the Late and Final Bronze Age were identified in the stripped area shaped like areclining letter L (Figs. 3, 4, 5:3). Furthermore, three Knovíz culture cremation graves were discovered during this excavation, one of which was sunken into the fill of alarge Knovíz culture pit, no. 84 (Fig. 4, 5:1–2).
Knovíz or possibly Štítary culture settlement features contained an unusually small quantity of ceramic material, which, with several exceptions, is also very difficult to classify chronologically. The settlement pits can generally be ascribed to the Knovíz culture (feature 37), the Knovíz to Štítary culture (features 23, 31 and 41), the Kn 4 peak Knovíz horizon (feature 32) or the Št 2 late Štítary period (features 73, 95 and 98).
The two cremation graves, nos. 83 and 127, can only roughly be dated to the Kn 4 peak Knovíz horizon (HaA1/A2 – Ha A2/B1). The inventory of grave 127, in addition to arather ordinary cup, abowl, abiconical vessel with arounded body, and six chronologically useless small-sized bronze artefacts (Fig. 10:2–10, 11:2), also contained avery unusual deep bowl with adouble vertically-drilled oval protrusion (Fig. 11:1A–C). The other rather interesting finds from this grave also include an amphora decorated with Ashaped symbols, whose neck was deformed by the heat of the mortuary pyre and whose visually reconstructed original profile points to an influence from the Lusatian cultural sphere (Fig. 10:1A–C).

A pottery hoard of the Knovíz culture from Bavoryně, Beroun District.
A pottery hoard discovered during a rescue excavation of a Knovíz culture settlement near Bavoryně in the Beroun region in 2009 (Figs. 1-4) contained 24 cups and bowls which were for the most part placed in a large, amphora-shaped storage vessel. The hoard was deposited at the bottom of a standard storage pit (granary pit) designated as feature 136 (Figs. 5–8). A total of 16 vessels have twisted rims and 10 of them also have various amounts of inner decoration. It mainly consists of concentric grooves and, in several cases, also of bundles of radial grooves and dimples. Five bowls feature a pair of holes in their walls under the twisted rim which were made before the vessel was fired. The remaining  specimens are common Knovíz culture cups (Figs. 9–13:1;14).
The cups/bowls were divided into four groups based on typological characteristics (A–D) which not only considered the morphology of the vessels, but also the character of their inner decorations or possibly its absence (Fig. 18). Undecorated cups with simple, slightly bulging rims from group D are not suitable for dating, so while trying to identify a more exact chronological position, we focused on specimens with twisted rims (groups A to C). Through a broader comparison and basically the exclusion method, it was possible to reach the conclusion that these cups and bowls most probably belonged to stage Ha A1 (Fig. 19). Such a dating is also supported by the form of the amphora-like storage vessel with a slightly open neck (Fig. 13:2) or the settlement material from the feature's fill (Figs. 15-17).
The collective find of Knovíz culture pottery from Bavoryně can, with a certain degree of caution, be interpreted as evidence for some kind of drinking ritual (oath ritual?), perhaps connected with libations. After it finished, all used vessels were deposited in an empty settlement pit as an offering. The particular form of its deposition at the bottom of a granary pit could be linked to the consecration of this pottery to the traditional vegetation and nature deities or to the gods of the underground. With regard to the specific character of all the drinking vessels, some kind of connection to the then rather widespread and popular solar cult cannot be completely ruled out either – they may symbolize it in a way.

An Ennsdorf type bronze knife from Chodouň, Beroun District.
In 2020, a bronze knife with a thorn-shaped tang was found in the cadastral are of Chodouň (Beroun District) with the help of a metal detector. The end of the tang was originally folded into a loop which is now missing (Figs. 1-5). A rivet originally passed through it which helped fix it to a full (one-piece) or two-piece handle made of an organic material (most probably wood or possibly antler; Fig. 9). The presented knife can be assigned to a numerous and rather variable group of earlier knives with thorn-shaped handles, namely to the Ennsdorf type. It is the 13th specimen known from Bohemia, while in Moravia, this type of artefact is only known in one case (Fig. 6:1–13; 7:1–14).
The core region of distribution of this type is southern and western Germany and Switzerland, however, it can also be encountered in central and occasionally in northern Germany. Much lower numbers (single specimen) are known from northwestern Poland, Lower Austria, western Hungary, northern Tyrol, northeastern France and northern Italy (Figs. 6:14–57; 7:15–16; 8). From the viewpoint of relative chronology, Ennsdorf type knives are one of the shapes characteristic of stage Ha A2, while their occurrence is also to be expected during early H B1, as documented by several important south German finds from graves (Figs. 10–11). Dendrochronological analysis of wood from pile dwellings on the banks of Swiss lakes has provided absolute dates for the period of Ha A2/B1 which range from 1054 to 1037 BC (Fig. 12).
The Chodouň knife can be interpreted as an artefact which was accidentally lost during activities within a wider settlement area, but it can also be regarded as an intentionally deposited votive offering. The sacral character of the find could possibly also be indicated by the presence of an 'abnormal' long line of relatively deep cavities ('karst sinkholes'?) stretching along the ridge line in its vicinity, which must have been considered rather unusual at that time.

An Únětice hoard from Přemyšlení, Prague-East District.
In the summer of 2008 a hoard of bronze/copper objects dating from the period of the Únětice culture was discovered during an extensive rescue excavation in the cadastral area of Přemyšlení (Prague-East District, Fig. 1–3; 6–8). In its vicinity, three small accumulations (A–C) of predominantly Early Bronze Age graves were excavated in lines of future roads, but their possible relationship to the hoard is only speculative (Fig. 4–5).
The published hoard was originally probably placed in an organic case so it created the impression of a really compact 'packet' when it was unearthed (Fig. 9). Its composition in comparison to other Únětice mass finds is quite extraordinary (Fig. 10). It contained a pin with a hammered decorated oar-shaped head (Fig. 11; 12:1), 6 round pieces of jewellery made from single wound wire with folded pointed ends (Fig. 12:2–3, 5, 7; 13:3, 6), 11 round pieces of jewellery made from double wound wire with folded ends (in all cases, one of the ends consists of a loop created by folding the wire and at the other end, the wires are pointed and braided; in two cases, they later untangled, but two specimens are still mutually connected – Fig. 12:4, 6, 8–10; 13:1–2, 4–5; 14:1A–1B) and 10 slightly oval open rod-shaped decorations with slightly thinned ends (Fig. 14:2–4; 15:1–4; 16:1–3). The function of the oar-shaped pin as a dress fastener is quite obvious and the wire jewellery, depending on its diameter (44.5–80.4 mm) could have served as a hair accessory, a bracelet, an armband, or possibly an anklet (Fig. 21:2–17). The rather large (102.5–114.9 mm) and more massive open rod-shaped decorations can most probably be regarded as armbands or anklets (Fig. 21:18–27).
Pins with decorated oar-shaped heads are rather rare in the Bohemian Únětice culture (at the time being, only 7 specimens are known: Starý Bydžov – 3 pcs; Tursko /unpublished/ – 2 pcs; Sedlec u Mšena – 1 pc; Přemyšlení – 1 pc; Fig. 17–18) and their origin and most intensive distribution must be sought in the wider geographic area of the Danube region (Fig. 19–20), where they are usually dated to the course of Br A1 (Ruckdeschel 1978). The occurrence of wire jewellery also concentrates in the Danube region or, generally speaking, in the southern zone of the Únětice culture, practically throughout the whole Early Bronze Age (Fig. 22). In contrast to this, larger open rod-shaped armbands/anklets are rather characteristic of the northern Únětice zone. They especially occur in hoards of central Germany which are dated to the Late Únětice period (Fig. 23).
If we take into account the presumed delay in cultural development in the Únětice zone in comparison to the central and upper Danube regions, which were better supplied with raw materials and therefore metallurgically more advanced, then the oar-shaped pins in Bohemia as well as hoards containing them could be dated to the very end of the early Únětice period (i.e. Br A1), or possibly to the time of the late Únětice culture (Br A2). In this description, we apply modified Reinecke's classification, which is currently commonly used in neighbouring countries (Fig. 25), and not the orthodox concept of V. Moucha  (2005, 7, Abb. 1, Fig. 24), who synchronized the classical phase of the Únětice culture in Bohemia with Br A1.
The decorative patterns on Bohemian oar-shaped pins are similar to each other but form a distinct specific group which has no exact analogies in the Danube region. Still, the inspiration unambiguously came from there. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that some Bohemian finds were manufactured in local Únětice workshops (just one workshop ?) which, during the later period of relative abundance of the metal in the classical Únětice period, occasionally copied earlier, distant ('exotic') models, whereas the craftsmen created a characteristic local decorative pattern (Fig. 17–18). The scheme was sometimes simplified as it is also obvious from the replacement of standard slantwise hatched triangles by less common inserted zigzag patterns on the Přemyšlení pin (Fig. 11; 12:1).

A mass find of Knovíz culture pottery from Kotopeky, Beroun District.
During a rescue excavation in the cadastral area of Kotopeky, 152 settlement features from different prehistoric
periods (Neolithic, Early Aeneolithic, Late Bronze Age, late Hallstatt period) were discovered. The aim of this
paper is to publish information about three sunken features (nos. 88, 89 and 104) which contained an extraordinary
large number of potsherds and daub fragments of the Knovíz culture. The ceramically richest feature 88
contained 14 partially or completely reconstructed vessels, 507 potsherds and 77 daub fragments.
The preserved vessels represent the almost complete ceramic range of the Knovíz culture (amphorae,
storage vessels, pots, cups and bowls) and can be placed at the end of the Kn 2 early Knovíz horizon, or possibly
at the beginning of the Kn 3 middle Knovíz horizon (ca. the transition between Br D and Ha A1) in the sense of
L. Smejtek's classification (2007–2011).
Adjacent feature no. 89 with 768 potsherds, 759 daub fragments and 2 stone querns can be dated similarly.
The overwhelming majority of daub fragments come from timber structures and partly also from bottoms of
ovens or fireplaces. Feature 104 (66 atypical potsherds and 27 daub fragments) can only generally be attributed
to the Knovíz culture, but its contemporaneity with the afore-mentioned features is highly likely. In fact, all
three features formed a separate group on the edge of the excavated area. Such a small number of identified
features is quite unusual for the Knovíz culture, and even repeated fieldwalking in adjacent areas did not yield
a significant number of Knovíz culture potsherds (ca. 195 of the total number of 2296 prehistoric potsherds).
This relative isolation together with an unusually low number and rich inventory of the discovered features
indicates that these are probably no remains of an ordinary agricultural settlement. It is perhaps possible to
think of a kind of sacred place, possibly a shrine with a fireplace/oven (?). Daub fragments in the features unambiguously
prove the existence of wooden above-ground structures whose walls consisted of wattle and
daub and were later plastered.
Local rituals might have been associated with various forms of food offerings to the deities of vegetation,
harvest and fertile forces which would also be supported by the discovery of grinding slab used for processing
grain. Oath-taking drinking rituals connected with libations cannot be ruled out either, for the predo minant
type of reconstructed pottery from feature 88 are different types of cups which are considered ideal for this purpose.

The structure of a residential area of the Funnel Beaker culture
in Velké Přílepy, Prague-West District.
In 1994–1996, an extensive rescue excavation took place in Velké Přílepy. In its course, an area of almost 14 ha
was investigated and traces of settlement in ten prehistoric periods were identified, spanning the time from the
Early Aeneolithic until the Migration period. This paper is focused on a complex analysis of settlement activities
of the Funnel Beaker culture and extends an earlier paper on this settlement site which was dedicated to only
one segment of the investigated area with 14 features (cf. Juřinová 2010; Juřinová – Smejtek – Vojtěchovská 2011).
The site is located approx. 4 km northwest of the administrative boundary of Prague and spreads on a low
promontory between the valley of the Podmoráň Brook in the north and the Únětice Brook in the south. The excavation
provided a better understanding of the settlement structure of the Funnel Beaker culture at this site,
which is situated in an open, non-strategic location and which was occupied for at least 300 years, during the
Siřem, and especially the Salzmünde phase. It is one of the largest settlement complexes from the period in
question, not only in Bohemia. The investigated site has the character of a stable, long-lasting and probably also
prosperous settlement, where a total of 59 Early Aeneolithic features have been excavated (predominantly
storage pits and clay pits). Only one feature with a rectangular ground plan could perhaps be interpreted as a
sunken dwelling, i.e. a semi-sunken hut (no. 26/94). Both the number of discovered storage pits (silos), parts of
crushers and the occurrence of large ceramic storage vessels point to a strongly agricultural character of the settlement
site. Known analogies from other FBC sites prove knowledge of ploughing, including harnessed oxen
(Makotřasy, Kladno District) and a similar situation can therefore be expected at the site in question. Finds of spindle whorls (11 pcs) prove the manufacture of fabrics and, taking into account the abundant ceramic
material, intensive local pottery production can be presumed. By contrast, the low quantities of chipped
stone industry bear witness to rather utilitarian consumption of this artefact category, and not to extensive production.
The recovered ceramic assemblage comprises a total of 10.105 fragments and represents one of the
richest collections in the Czech Republic. Six pottery classes have been identified in total, namely funnel beakers,
amphorae, storage pots, bowls, jugs and cups. Only one clay spoon have survived among the other ceramic
finds. As to the ornaments, embedded decoration prevailed over the embossed one and the most common
motifs were ciliated grooves and cross-hatched triangles. When it comes to stone implements, flint blades,
flakes, sharpening stones, axes, crushers and grinding slabs were represented, whereas the total number of
stone artefacts did not exceed 30 pieces. Lithic raw materials were only found in one feature. Bone artefacts
were represented by chisels, awls, digging tools and a piece of worked antler.
According to pottery analysis, the settlement was most intensively occupied in the latest, Salzmünde phase
of the FBC, but occupation during the previous Siřem phase is also documented to a certain degree. On the
basis of spatial analysis, one can speculate about a dispersed settlement where besides sunken features, also
above-ground post/pole-built residential buildings can be expected. No remains of above-ground wooden
structures were actually identified at the site which can possibly be linked to the total mechanical removal of
topsoil, subsoil and possibly also cultural layers up to the geological bedrock which was a consequence of the
investor's intent to shorten the excavation time. If we take into account the size of the excavated area, reaching
almost 15 ha, and the fact that the FBC features were scattered over an area of c. 450 × 270 m, the number of existing
buildings can be estimated at at least 25, based on the number of sunken features (a total of 59, out of
which about 30 were storage silos). This conclusion can be drawn based on analogies from other Early Aeneolithic
sites (cf. e. g. Černá – Velímský 1991, 56; Kuna 1991, 337; Zápotocký  1998, 165; Zápotocký 2002, 293; Sankot – Zápotocký 2011; Turek 2011). On the basis of these comparisons, one can assume with great probability that the residential units had the
appearance of above-ground post-built structures (in the Early Aeneolithic, also houses erected on a foundation
frame can be presumed) which were situated on a northern slope near the clay pits. Unfortunately, it was not
possible to identify a more exact arrangement of the residential area, due to the given circumstances. During
the subsequent period of the Baden culture, settlement activities moved to the northeastern part of the excavated
area (Area 1 – Fig. 4) and only features of the Řivnáč culture returned back to the area inhabited in the Early Aeneolithic.
The reason for this might be the movement of settlements around the area in order to optimally use
the economic potential of landscape. By contrast, a Late Aeneolithic cemetery of the Corded Ware culture is situated
in the south of the stripped area and several graves of the Bell Beaker culture were positioned near the
FBC settlement. The sequence of Aeneolithic occupation at the site was completed with this. It probably lasted
more or less continuously throughout the whole Late Stone Age, although no evidence for human occupation
in the earliest phase of this era has been found so far.

EARLY ENEOLITHIC FINDS FROM PRAHA-KRČ.
In 2001 an extensive preventive excavation took place in the archaeologically very attractive location of „Společenská
zahrada“, during which it was possible to explore and document the remains of prehistoric settlement on an area
of approx. 1.6 ha, originally destined for the construction of a commercial-administrative centre. Altogether 1.398
sunken features from several prehistoric periods were examined. The excavation was carried out on the whole surface,
whereas the part of the area with a preserved cultural layer was divided into 2×2m squares that were
prospected by the chessboard method.
Next to the Eneolithic finds, also features belonging to the Neolithic (Linear Pottery culture and Stroke Ornamented
culture) and to the Bronze Age (Tumulus culture and Knovíz culture) were present there.
The topic of this contribution is publication of post-Jordanów (Schussenried) pottery finds, whose number in
the area of Central Bohemia is gradually increasing over the recent years. Altogether 18 features with early Eneolithic
finds were excavated in Praha-Krč. These 588 potsherds represent one of the most important collections of
post-Jordanow pottery, along with the assemblages from Ústí n. L.-Trmice and Valov.
Two features (nos. 77 and 105) were subjected to a more detailed analysis. The first one was a long, linear palisade
ditch that literally cut through the whole excavated area in its southern part. It consisted of several sections
(77/A-E), the shortest one being 9 m and the longest one 23 m long. An important support for the relative chronology
was provided by the surveyed overlap of the linear feature with a Neolithic rondel (no. 257). The superposition
proved without doubt that the Neolithic rondel belonging to the Stroke Ornamented culture is disturbed by the later
linear ditch. The pottery found within the ditch was of crucial importance for its cultural classification. There were
146 pottery fragments (the most abundant number) found in the linear feature and these can be dated to the post-
Jordanów (Schussenried) period.
Another interesting finding made on the site was without doubt the non-ritual burial of two individuals in settlement
feature no. 105. The skeletons lay on each other, on their backs. Both individuals were probably thrown into
the pit, and a stone arrowhead, discovered in the vicinity of the pelvis of the upper skeleton, could possibly be evidence
of their violent death. Again, based on settlement pottery, it is possible to classify this feature as belonging
to the early Eneolithic.

New findings on the Late and Final Bronze Age settlement in Hlásná Třebaň,
Beroun District.
Several small-scale excavations have significantly enriched our current knowledge about the Late and Final
Bronze Age settlement in Hlásná Třebaň (Beroun District). Ten settlement features and a cultural layer with numerous
finds were documented there. The preserved pottery enabled its approximate dating to the Knovíz
(features 1/2003, 2/2003, 3/2005, 1/2012) and Štítary cultures (feature 3/2012), or possibly to a wider chronological
framework, to the time of the Urnfield culture (layer 2, features 1/2005, 2/2012, 4/2012). Only feature
3/2003 probably belonged to the middle Knovíz horizon (Kn 3; c. Ha A1) and feature 2/2005 to the peak
Knovíz horizon (Kn 4b; c. Ha A2/B1). Also, it was possible to document settlement components dating from
the Middle Bronze Age and the Hallstatt period (layer 2). The location of the corresponding Late Bronze Age
cemetery (grave 2 from end of Br D to Ha A1) was identified as well. Its area was used for funerary purposes at
the end of the Hallstatt period, too (grave 1).

RADIOCARBON DATES FROM KNEŽEVES NEAR PRAGUE. This contribution presents some new radiocarbon dates from Bohemia based on the analysis of samples from Kneževes near Prague. A large-scale rescue excavation took place at this site in 1998. The excavation produced evidence of a dense occupation during the late and final Bronze Age as well as other prehistoric periods. Samples from two graves and four settlement features were analyzed by the radiocarbon laboratory in Berlin. They were from a Proto-Únetice grave 2351/98 (fig. 1-2), three pits of the Knovíz Culture (2775/98, 2038/98, 2399/98) of the period Ha A1 – Ha A2/B1 (fig. 4-6), a pit of the Štítary phase, 2143/98 (fig. 7) and an early La-Tène grave 2916/98 (fig. 8-9).
The results confirmed that the origin of the early Bronze Age Únetice Culture possibly dates to the end of the 3rd Millenium BC. The absolute dates of the features of the high Knovíz Culture justified the shift of the beginning of Ha B1 to the time before the mid 11th century BC. This has also resulted in later dates for high Štítary pottery. Surprising is the early date of an early La-Tène inhumation which would date the beginning of LT A long before 500 BC. The paper also summarizes other radiocarbon dates for the Bronze Age in Bohemia and Moravia (fig. 3).

SENOMATY: A CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF BRONZE HOARDS OF THE Br B1 HORIZON IN BOHEMIA. In 2012, a hoard disturbed by ploughing (Fig. 1) was discovered with the help of a metal detector at Senomaty (Rakovník
District). It most probably contained at least 104 fragments of cake-shaped copper ingots and 22 fragments of bronze implements
(axes and sickles) with a total weight of 12.648 kg (Fig. 2–7). A typological-chronological analysis of the
flanged axes and sickles with upright side thorn-shaped projections has shown that the hoard belonged to the earlier part
of the Middle Bronze Age (Lochham horizon, Br B1 phase).
The Senomaty axes are close to the Mägerkingen type, which is mainly widespread in the territory of southern Germany
and Switzerland, and the „North German“ type of axes, which mainly occurs in the northern parts of Germany.
590 lubor smeJteK
An analogy to both types of bronze implements is provided by the hoard from Bühl in West Bavaria, which is reliably
dated to the beginning of the Lochham horizon (Fig. 8). The sickle with a pair of side thorn-shaped projections, which
connects the hoard with the Kosziderpadlás horizon in the Carpathian Basin (Fig. 10–12), is a less frequent find. This
type of sickle is also known from several sites in southwestern Germany and Switzerland, however, this is the only find
of its kind in the territory of Bohemia and Moravia and at the same time the most northern one. The rather primitive
„prototype“ of the tanged sickle (Fig. 6) can be regarded as a unique find. Together with a similar specimen from the
eponymous hoard of Kosziderpadlás II (Fig. 10:2), it is the second earliest object of this kind in the wider area of Central
Europe. Copper ingots already infrequently occur in Bohemia during the transitional Br A2/B1 horizon, so they are no
big surprise in the following Br B1 horizon and their presence points to an increase in production in the new centres of
mining and metallurgy which were most probably located in the Alps again.
At present, we do not know any other Br B1 hoard from Bohemia which would be comparable in terms of its content
and weight, although there is evidence that both bronze objects and raw material were deposited in adjacent regions
(Bavaria, Moravia, Carpathian Basin) in larger or smaller quantities. We are currently unable to interpret this fact
satisfactorily and it is questionable whether metal detector finds will change the situation in the future. The new find
from Senomaty can, however, be used as an eponymous site for a possible and gradually defined Br B1 hoard horizon in
Bohemia, fully synchronisable with the Lochham horizon in southern Germany, the Hodonín–Přítluky horizon in
Moravia and the Kosziderpadlás horizon in the Carpathian Basin (Fig. 13).

A palstave from Libeř (Prague-West District) and other bronze finds
from the Lower Sázava River region. A contribution to the genesis
of Middle Bronze Age palstaves. In 2016 a bronze palstave with a trapezoidal flanged recess was found with the help of a metal detector in the
cadastral area of Libeř (Prague-West District). The artefact is relatively unusual from the typological viewpoint
and lacks exact analogies in Bohemian material (Fig. 1–5). The palstave can roughly be classified as of Early to
Middle Bronze Age date (Br A2/B1) when new palstave types with heart-shaped and especially pointed flanged
recesses started to develop. At the close of the Middle Bronze Age and at the beginning of the Late Bronze Age
(Br C2/D), they changed into relatively massive palstaves with a pointed lobate recess (Fig. 6). However, the
Libeř palstave seems to stay out of the main development line.
This new find also originates from an area where practically no traces of settlement or funerary activities
during the Early or Middle Bronze Age are known and the only relevant evidence for the presence of man is
represented by isolated finds of bronze objects (Fig. 7). From among the earlier finds made in the broader area
of the Lower Sázava River region, we may mention three Únětice culture bronze axes (Jílové u Prahy, Blažim –
Fig. 8). More recent metal detector finds from 2010–2013 also included the discovery of three bronze artefacts
datable to the time of the Middle Bronze Age Tumulus culture. It is a palstave with an elongated, pointed
flanged recess, a decorated disc-head of a two-piece pin (Slapy – Fig. 9:1–2) and a sickle with a perpendicular
side tang (Březová – Fig. 9:3).
The discoveries of these bronze objects in an agriculturally not very suitable area which was probably predominantly
forested, without any evidence for contemporary settlement, rather indicate their intentional deposition
during some non-specific activities in the region (a "traveller's" or "propitiating" thanksgiving offering?)
than a mere unintentional loss suffered on the way or during work in the forest.

A find of bronze objects at Strašín near Říčany, Prague-East District. In August 2012 four bronze objects were discovered by a metal detectorist who was searching for World World II
militaria. They were handed over to the local museum in Říčany. The site is located in a wood west of the village, on
a slope above the right bank of the Rokytka River and the objects were deposited at a depth of 10–15 cm (Fig. 1). A dagger
with a rounded trapezoidal tang with two rivets and two identical small circles of a lense-shaped cross section (Fig. 2:2–
4; 3:2–4) were found in one place. At a distance of 2 m, there was later discovered an axe with smooth ribs and a shallow
groove in its central part (Fig. 2:1; 3:1).
It is not clear if the dagger, circles and axe originally constituted a hoard, but the proximity of both finds and the
fact that no other bronze objects have been recorded in their vicinity would be indicative of it. On the contrary, the
chronological difference between the axe (Únětice culture, slightly later dating also possible) and the dagger, which can
be dated to the early phase of the Tumulus culture at the earliest, would contradict it, together with different patinas. If
we considered all the four objects as a whole, then its deposition would fit into the transitional phase between the Early
and Middle Bronze Age (Br A2/B1).

An Eneolithic copper axe from Řitka, Prague-West District. In September of 2014, a flat copper axe was found with the help of a metal detector. The object was handed over to the
museum at Jílové u Prahy. It shows the greatest morphological similarity to the Zwerndorf type which was used
especially during the Middle Eneolithic (ca. 3350–2900/2800 BC).
The XRF analysis shows that the axe was made of Mondsee-type copper with a relatively high content of arsenic
and several trace admixtures (Pb, Ag, Ni). No contemporary settlement is known from the given area; only in the wider
surroundings, there are several hilltop settlements of the Řivnáč (or possibly Cham?) cultures. The location of the site at
the southeastern foot of the Hřebeny hills in the relatively humid source basin of the Všenory brook might be indicative
of votive reasons for the deposition of the axe, close to a water course. A connection between the find and a long-distance
road is not excluded either. Such a route would lead across the Hřebeny hills through the brook's deep valley and the axe
might, therefore, have served as a „travel offering.“.

Depotfund der jüngeren Bronzezeit (?) aus Pyšely, Kr. Benešov
(Mittelböhmen). Am Ende der 1990er Jahre wurde bei Pyšely, in der Flur „V Sedlištích“ (Abb. 1a), während der Kanalbauarbeiten
eine Anhäufung von Bronzegegenständen unterschiedlichen Alters entdeckt und gerettet. Außer neuzeitlichen
Artefakten kamen dort auch zehn Gegenstände zutage, die eindeutig in die Urnenfelderzeit gehören (Abb.
1b:A, 6:A).
Die Fundstelle liegt an einem sanft abfallenden, gegen Nordnordwest orientierten Hang in einer Höhe von
360 m ü. NN im Quellbereich eines heute unauffälligen Baches, von der Sázava etwa 2,7 km entfernt. Im
Katastergebiet der Gemeinde wurden neben früh- und hochmittelalterlichen Funden (Abb. 1b:C) an einigen
Stellen auch neolithische Aktivitäten registriert, belegt durch Einzelfunde und größere Komplexe von
Steinartefakten (Abb. 1b:D-E).
Einige der Bronzegegenstände sind näher zu datieren: mittelständiges Lappenbeil – Abb. 2, Tüllenbeil – Abb.
3:1, Keulenkopfnadel – Abb. 4:2, Zungensichel – Abb. 4:4. Andere können nur sehr ungenau einem längeren
Zeitraum zugewiesen werden: Pfeilspitzen – Abb. 3:2, 4:3, Nadel mit „Nagelkopf “ – Abb. 4:1, Armringe mit
überlappten Enden – Abb. 5:1,3, geschlossener Ring – Abb. 5:2. Drei der vier chronologisch empfindlichen
Artefakte gehören der Stufe Ha A1 (Depotfundhorizont Suchdol) an, weiter gefasst liegen sie zwischen Bz
D – Ha A2. Eindeutig jünger ist jedoch das Tüllenbeil, das wahrscheinlich erst aus der Stufe Ha B3 stammt
(Depotfundhorizont Třtěno-Hostomice). Die chronologisch durchlaufenden Artefakte können sowohl
Bestandteil des älteren hypothetischen Hortfundes als auch des jüngeren sein. Es ist auch nicht ausgeschlossen,
dass außer dem Tüllenbeil alle andere Gegenstände einen Hortfund (bzw. seinen geretteten Teil) repräsentieren
und das jüngere Beil als „Einstückdepot“ anzusehen ist. Diese Interpretation würde im weiteren Umfeld des
Fundortes die Existenz eines heiligen Platzes voraussetzen, wo über eine längere Zeit hinweg sowohl größere
Komplexe als auch einzelne Bronzegegenstände deponiert wurden. Aufgrund des Charakters der gefundenen
Artefakte ist auszuschließen, dass es sich um Grab- oder sogar Siedlungsfunde handelt.
Die analysierten Gegenstände stammen aus dem Sázava-Gebiet, das in der Urnenfelderzeit am Rand einer
Siedlungszone lag. Trotzdem sind von dort einige Metallhorte bekannt (Rataje nad Sázavou – Abb. 6:4-6,
Jílové u Prahy – Abb. 6:3), ebenso auch Hinweise auf Siedlungsaktivitäten (späturnenfelderzeitliche Grube von
Netvořice). Aus diesen Gründen ist es wichtig, auch diesem relativ dünn besiedelten Gebiet Aufmerksamkeit
zu schenken.

Bronze short sword from Klecany, Pragae-East District.
The paper deals with a bronze short sword found in an inhumation grave of the Middle Danubian Tumulus culture in
Klecany, in the northern border of Prague, which has not been registered in the scientific literature yet. The grave was discovered
in nowadays non-existent brick factory on the eastern edge of the village near the cadastral Přemyšlení sometime
during the World War II (Fig. 1: A-B). In addition to the sword should have also contained shards of ceramic vessels which
were not preserved. The short sword with curved rear, with three holes for rivets and grooves on the both sides along the
blade had an inlaid (?) organic grip (wooden ?) according to a finder son, that unfortunately fell apart (Fig. 1: C). The find
is held in a private property and the owner allowed providing only its photographic documentation. The short sword with
a blade length of 278 mm and 32 mm width of the rear has typological origin in Middle Bronze Age daggers with oval rear,
which have three rivets for fastening organic grip only rarely (Fig. 1: D). With some circumspectness we can assign the
sword to the Batzhausen type, comprising also till now sporadic exemplars of short swords with three rivets (cf. Brunn,
Upper Palatinate – Fig. 1: E). In further development of daggers has originated a triangular pointed rear sometimes also
with three holes for rivets. A similar trend towards the beginning of the Urnfield period (Bz D) apparently can be observed
on short swords, respectively swords (Rixheim type). Short swords of the Batzhausen type we can also observe out of our
territory, particularly in Bavaria, northern Hesse and southern Thuringia. As we are missing any collateral finds, we can rely
on the dating of the find from Klecany only on typological-chronological comparison, probably showing on the late period
of the Middle Danubian Tumulus culture in this case (Asenkofen horizon – Br C, respectively Br C2).

A small bronze horse from Mladá Boleslav.
The aim of this contribution is to present a unique bronze horse figurine (Fig. 1; 6), whose silhouette is going to
become the main visual element in the logo of the Institute of Archaeological Monument Care for Central Bohemia.
The figurine was found in 2013, during a rescue excavation in Ptácká Street, which is situated at the base
29
bronzový koník z mladé boleslavi
of a promontory with the historic core of Mladá Boleslav (Fig. 2–3). Most of the recovered archaeological mate -
rial originates from thick slope layers which arose secondarily, during the levelling of the peak of the promontory
associated with the construction of the Přemyslid hillfort, and later also during the building of the medieval
town and town walls, in the first half of the 14th century.
A small admixture of prehistoric pottery from the Late and the beginning of the Final Bronze Age is
connected with the existence of a Lusatian culture hillfort on the promontory above the excavated area (Fig.
5:1–6). Apart from this, several potsherds dating from the Hallstatt period (Fig. 5:7–10) were identified, too.
They prove some, so far unspecified settlement activities on the promontory, which are probably linked to the
discovery of the small zoomorphic figurine.
The documented prehistoric finds only provide an indicative chronological framework for the horse's
dating, because they represent a secondary admixture in abundant later material from layers exposed in several
test pits. The small horse, discovered in groove R 9 in layer 356, which did not contain any other archaeological
material, is an intrusion as well (Fig. 4).
From the viewpoint of the figurine's stylistic concept, we are unable to find exact analogies, but a certain
clue is fortunately available thanks to the decoration in the form of circular stamps with needle marks in the
centre. There are seven such motifs applied over the animal's body. This decoration derives from the symbolic
representation of the sun disc which especially occurred on remarkable artefacts made from bronze and gold
sheets with the help of circular one-piece or two-piece stamping dies during the Middle and Late Bronze Age
(Fig. 7–8). At the turn of the Late and Final Bronze Age, this motif underwent a certain transformation. From
then on, it predominantly featured smaller circular stamps with deeper needle marks on punched surfaces of
bronze objects. This is also characteristic of a decorative motif in the form of concentric circles incised with compasses
whose symbolism is identical. This sun symbolism can be found on remarkable and, to a certain extent,
extraordinary artefacts dating from the Final Bronze Age to the late Hallstatt period, or possibly even from the
early La Tène period (Fig. 7).
The sun symbolism which was applied while manufacturing the exceptional bronze horse figurine from
Mladá Boleslav would be indicative of the period from Ha B2–3 to Ha D/LT A. However, despite the lack of
convincing analogies, stylistic analysis leads us to a somewhat narrower time span – the Hallstatt period (Ha
C–D), during which some identical features (prominent mane, "beak-shaped" head and tail) can be seen on
several clay statuettes from the West Hallstatt cultural circle (Fig. 9:13–14, 24–26).

The excavation of a settlement of the Knovíz culture near Úholičky
(Distr. Prague-West) in 1960.

In the autumn of 1960 a water pipeline was built on a promontory above the hamlet of Podmoráň (cadastral area
of Úholičky). During the excavation work, two sites with prehistoric features were disturbed (fig. 1). It was possible
to identify 26 sunken features in total within group II (I–XXV, Y), 16 of which were partly or completely
investigated by N. Mašek of the archaeological department of the City of Prague Museum, where the recovered
material is also deposited. Drawing documentation of the individual investigated features has unfortunately not
survived – only a schematic field sketch showing the distribution of features on both sides of the ditch for the
water pipe is available (fig. 2). A precise localization of the route of the water pipeline and both settlement sites
is rather complicated and allows for a double interpretation, because no geodesic survey is available (fig. 1, 4).
The absolute majority of the investigated features in group II contained finds of the Knovíz culture. This
contribution is devoted to their summarising evaluation (fig. 5–17, tab. 1). Only feature Ia probably consisted
of a superposition of a pit dating from the end of the Roman period or the Migration period and an earlier Knovíz
pit with a large number of clay weaving weights (fig. 19) and a mould for casting socketed axes (fig. 18).
A typological-chronological analysis of the numerous Knovíz potsherds showed that the occupation of this
site took place during the top Knovíz horizon Kn 4, which includes a part of Ha A1 and Ha A2/B1 (fig. 20).
This is not contradicted by the chronological classification of three sandstone moulds from feature VIa (namely
of winged axes which were cast in one of them) or of the mould for socketed axes from pit Ia which was made
of unique clay material (fig. 18). A probable “moon-shaped idol” (fig. 15) was discovered in feature X. It would
be one of the most ancient ones in Bohemia, because the majority of the other known specimens date from
the Final Bronze Age.
The concentration of Knovíz features in group II is striking and points to a very intense occupation of this
area, which probably also continued in the broader vicinity. The discovery of four moulds indicates that intense
smelting activities took place at the settlement, which is also indirectly supported by the discovery of two lumps
of raw graphite. One of them was recovered directly from the feature with casting moulds (fig. 16). Burned
daub destruction deposits, which were unearthed in feature VII (fig. 17), may also be associated with certain
pyrotechnological processes.
The determination of both direct and indirect evidence of bronze smelting at the site belongs to the most
significant findings made during the excavation at Úholičky, which stands out among the numerous rescue excavations
carried out within linear construction projects, the only result of which were some “Knovíz potsherds”.
The exceptionality of this Late Bronze Age settlement is even more remarkable when compared with the nearby
settlement of Kněževes near Prague, where 1 222 features of the Knovíz and Štítary cultures were investigated,
however, a fragment of a stone casing mould was discovered in only one of them (Smejtek 2007–2011, 230,
obr. 173).

An unknown variant of a Middle Bronze Age pin
from Srbsko u Karlštejna (Beroun District).
Approximately 750 m northeast of the village of Srbsko u Karlštejna in the Bohemian Karst, a bronze
pin (Fig.
1–2) was found with the help of a metal detector in 2017. It is a variant with a flat, decorated
head, a swollen, perforated neck and an oval cross-section  of the pin (shank) which has so far not
been identified in material from Bohemia (Fig. 3–4). It can generally be classified as belonging to a
large and very variable group of pins with perforated round heads or swollen necks featuring an
opening whose boundary variant are pins with a side eyelet on the neck. Such shapes occurred in the
territory of the Czech Republic from the end of the Early Bronze Age (Br A2) to the early Middle
Bronze Age (Br B1). With regard to the head's shape and the shank's round profile, the chronological
position of this pin should be sought rather at the end of the group's development, i.e. in late Br
B1. This dating is also confirmed by the edged, twisted and serpentine shanks of most other spe-
cimens from this period (Fig. 5).
When we take into consideration  the so-far missing  evidence  for permanent  settlement  in the
broader vicinity during the Early and Middle Bronze Age, perhaps with the exception of probably
seasonal exploitation of some of the local caves, the interpretation of the find is rather difficult.
The original function of the object is obvious (it was a decorative clothing pin) which could
perhaps point to an accidental loss during unspecified
activities in relatively hilly terrain, rather than an intentional votive deposit.