Zigzag motif on the bone artifacts at Zamostje 2 (Late Mesolithic - Early Neolithic): techniques and context

The period of the Late Mesolithic in the Upper Volga region is characterized by numerous evidence of decorative art. According to the materials of the multi-layer lake settlement Zamostje 2 (Moscow region), the greatest flowering of ornamentation of bone (antler) tools can be traced in the second half of the VII mihe only decorative element on items and is expressed by a simple (solid or intermittent) or double line. Sometimes a zigzag ornament is formed by a bunch of parallel scratches; less often it is included in complex compositions. Both types of zigzag and manufacturing techniques (fine engraving, scraping, three-dimensional carving, etc.) were not regulated and obviously performed different functions depending on the compositional characteristics and type of raw material.