The Process of Neolithization in the Forest Belt

Abstract

The paper presents an analysis of the most studied Neolithic cultures of the forest belt from Scandinavia and the Eastern Baltic States to the Volga-Kama region and the Urals (7th-4th Millennia BC). The analysis was carried out using the following elements of the Neolithic package: ceramics, polished woodworking tools, long-term dwellings, large burial grounds, shrines and imported items. In the course of the study, the materials representing 16 archaeological cultures of this region were collected by the author. As a result, the most developed Neolithic cultures of the forest belt were identified, with due account of the currently existing data. The most common features – ceramics and polished woodworking tools – were also identified. The rare feature is the presence of shrines. Conclusions are made on the level of development of the studied cultures.

Keywords

• archaeology
• neolithic
• neolithic package
• forest belt
• ceramics
• polished woodworking tools
• long-term dwelling
• burial ground
• sanctuary
• mutually benefi cial exchange