Models of the Corded Ware Culture Distribution in the Upper Western Dzvina River

Abstract

Artefacts of Corded Ware cultures (CWC) dating to the 3rd millennium BC have been identified in the territory of the most part of Europe. There are two hypotheses explaining their spread in the area. The first of them suggests direct migration of human groups representing this culture, while the other presupposes the model of cultural diffusion. On the territory of the Upper Western Dzvina River, CWC materials are distinguished in two regions — in the Lovat’-Dvina interfluve and along the shores of the lake Belaya Struga in Pskov region. This paper analyses culturally important CWC artefacts (which serve as cultural markers) unearthed from the cultural deposits, such as ceramics with cord ornamentation and triangular flint arrowheads. Additionally, stone battle-axes collected in between of these regions were studied. It is possible to identify two models of CWC distribution. The first one is a migration model which is presented by the materials of CWC A-horizon. These are A-type beakers with “herringbone” ornamentation, amphoras, and A-type battle-axes. They are analogous to CWC materials in the territory of Central Europe and Baltic Coast. A-horizon dates to the first half of the 3rd millennium BC. The second model suggests cultural diffusion. According to it, elements of the CWC might have emerged due to exchange/trade connections and cultural influence (imported products indicates the long-distance exchange network with the Middle Dnieper culture population). Connections with the Baltic Coast areindicated by the presence of Baltic amber. The spread of the patchwork technique in ceramics and cord ornamentation show a strong cultural influence on the local Neolithic materials from the main area of distribution of CWC.