Portable sculptures from Neolithic and Bronze age habitation sites near lake Baikal

Portable sculpture provides important information on past worldviews, the ways various objects were perceived, and subsistence activities. This study addresses figurines from Neolithic and Bronze Age habitation sites on Lake Baikal relying on a summary ofpublished specimens and those from recent excavations, totaling 32 intact and fragmentary figurines from twelve sites. Chronology, assessed on the basis of stratigraphic observations and radiocarbon analysis, suggests that figurines were manufactured on Lake Baikal since the Early Neolithic (over 7000 cal BP). Most of the early specimens representfish, and some depicts Baikal seals. They conform to the Kitoy artistic tradition. Late Neolithic figurines (5590-4870 cal BP) evidence a different style, typical of the Serovo-Glazkovo tradition. Bronze Age depictions offish are highly stylized. Overall, these differences make it possible to track chronological changes in the contents and styles of portable sculpture in the region. Most representations of fish have perforations for appending and were probably used as lures. Larger ones without holes might have been used in rituals.