Fishing of the population of North-Western Ladoga region in the middle ages according to archaeological evidence

The paper considers fishing gear discovered at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and earlier during the excavations of medieval Karelian hill forts in the North-Western Ladoga region (Russia). Karelian fortresses are situated in the fjord shore of Lake Ladoga and date back to the 12th - early 15th century. Ladoga is the largest freshwater lake in Europe and is known for its unique fish fauna built during the geological formation of the lake. Since the period of the first settlement, Lake Ladoga has played an essential role in natural resources management of the local population. Fishing was a key industry among local people almost until modern times. The set of archaeological artifacts includes findings made of non-ferrous metal and iron (hooks and spoon hooks, harpoons, spears, etc.), stone (net and fishing rod sinkers) and clay (net sinker). The functional analysis of the tools evidences the variety of fishing techniques: use of nets, hook gears, spear tools, etc. According to their functional destination, the findings are divided into three groups. The first group is presented by hook gears: hooks (4) and spoon hooks (9). Massive hooks might belong to trot line or bottom fishing tackle. Among spoon hooks, seasonal (winter and summer) lures may be distinguished. The second group - spear tools - includes harpoons (4) and three-pronged spears (2), used for spearfishing. Unfortunately, ancient nets produced of organic materials were not preserved in aggressive Karelian soils, but the use of nets are marked in the findings of net sinkers made of stone (39) and clay (1). Stone sinkers are presented by round pebbles that used to be wrapped in birch bark, which facilitates its attachment to the net. Clay sinker (1) is barrel-shaped with a hole inside. One more sinker, small and made of cleaving stone, is appeared to be a part of fishing rod gear. Obviously, ancient Karelians also practiced fishing with traps: written sources mention fish bow nets (Russian ‘versha'). Wide range of findings and the presence of specialized seasonal baits illustrate the high level of traditional fishing industry of ancient Karelians. The abundance of fishing terminology in the toponymic material of North-Western Ladoga region proves the broad involvement of Karelians in that field.