PROCESSING OF ANTLER RAW MATERIALS FROM THE SETTLEMENT OF VELYKA SNITYNKA 2: SOME OBSERVATIONS

The work presents the results of the author’s observations on the peculiarities of processing of raw materials and blanks for details of composite combs from the settlement of Velyka Snitynka 2 (Chernyakhiv culture, Fastiv district of Kyiv region). The paper continues and complements the publication of the bone-carving complex by B. V. Magomedov (1992). It is not a republication. The basis of the work is a collection from this complex containing about 16,500 artifacts from antler, which is stored in the Museum of Local Lore in Fastiv. The samples were examined visually, including with a magnifying glass. The complete predominance of deer antlers was revealed in the composition of raw materials. The main way to obtain raw materials is to collect naturally discarded antler (38 against 8 specimens taken from killed animals). Examination of samples of antler artifacts revealed traces of tools used by local craftsmen. Traces of universal tools (ax, adze, knife and utility saw) and specialized ones (at least two types of saws with small teeth, possibly special cutting tools, drill for small holes, possibly patterns for forming the backs of combs) have been watched. Presence of a heating device in the building and some processing features indicate that the antler was heat-treated to soften it. Saws were used to transverse dissection of the antler. Functional differences between different types of saws were not found. Splitting of sawn blanks along could be done with an ax or a knife-cutter. Traces of planning of side faces to give the workpiece a rough primary shape have also been watched. Different stages of comb making are represented by blanks (parts of beams), semi-finished products with untreated rough surface, specimens with characteristic traces of surface treatment with a cutting tool and specimens with abrasive-treated surface. Judging by the ornamentation of the pyramidal pendants, local craftsmen also used special tools for making circular circles with a diameter of 3 and 4 mm and concentric circles with a diameter of 3 and 6 mm.