Illyrian Tribes

Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Neolithic Settlements in Bosnia - Butmir Culture

 

Archaeological findings attest to a human presence on the territory of today's Bosnia from the Neolithic period. Several sites, dating as far back as sixth millennium B.C., have been excavated in region of central Bosnia, between rivers Bosnia, Vrbas and Neretva. Most famous site is Butmir, about 10 km west of downtown Sarajevo, and this Neolithic culture is named after it. Butmir settlement had been discovered in 1893, and excavations by Radimsky and Fiala continued for three more years. Their findings were published in two volumes (1895 and 1898). In 20th century several other sites were discovered, and most important ones are: Obre (10 km east from Kakanj), Okoliste (10 km southeast from Kakanj), Nebo (15 km northeast from Turbe) and Lisicici(near Konjic). Archaeological findings on these sites were dated from 5300-4200 years B.C. and it was confirmed by radiocarbonation.

Neolithic people lived in river valleys with fertile land, in rectangular, two-room houses of wooden construction, clay walls and straw roofs. One of the rooms had oval shaped stove built of clay on a branch construction. Abundance of decorated pottery was found, as well as flint, bone and stone tools. Pottery decoration was mostly spiral, but other geometrical shapes were present as well. Area in front of the stove was wood covered, while space behind stove was probably used as working area. Pits beside stoves were used to collect ashes, possibly to wash cloth with it. Human figures found in central Bosnia are specific by neatly combed hair, long noses and were mouthless.

Dr. Alojz Benac as an ultimate authority on Neolithic period in Bosnia, excavated several of these sites, and published numerous works on Neolithic "Butmir" culture.

For samples of Butmir culture findings, you may visit our gallery: 1 2 3 4

Thank you Goran Kulenovic!

 

   

  

    

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This page was updated: 30 December 2009 17:54

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