Some types of geometric ornament on bone artifacts from the Mesolithic layer at Zamostje 2

Geometric ornament of the late Stone Age is a part of sophisticated world views typical for communities of the last huntergatherers. Simple ornamentation motifs and elements are universal graphic representations of certain concepts and ideas that could coincide or be different in various contexts. The functional role of the ornament is determined by the cultural context and its correlation with certain categories of bone items. To analyze the archaeological context, three characteristic ornamental motifs from the Mesolithic assemblage of the multi-layer Zamostje 2 site in the Volga-Oka interfluve were selected such as relief zigzag in a groove, bands filled with lines (‘ladders') and lines with dots and ‘eyelashes' (41 specimens). The study was aimed to assess cultural specifics of ornament types based on comparative analysis of the correlation between their representation (iconography) and certain types of artifacts. The closest correlation has been identified between sickle-shaped slotted tools made from elk antlers and ornament in the form of relief zigzag, which, in its turn, is associated with a special technique. The ‘ladders' were represented traditionally, predominantly on the projectile points and knives. They were placed in pairs at an obtuse or acute angle along or crosswise the longitudinal axis of the tools. Denticulate lines are predominantly associated with grooved daggers and harpoon heads. The former are represented by loop short bands or rectangles filled with lines with eyelashes or teeth. Lines with large dots of various forms can be considered typical for large grooved spearheads. Both types are rare finds at the site and practically have not been found in the neighboring regions.