Grinding Stone Deposits of the Linear Pottery Culture in Central Germany

In recent years, three deposits of grinding stones have been discovered in Central Germany, resembling a phenomenon known from the Paris Basin and Belgium. These deposits were more than simple disposals; they likely held ritual or symbolic significance, reflecting the values and beliefs of the commu...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Zamzow, Erik|||0009-0000-6730-6280, Eguíluz Valentini, Marina|||0000-0002-8510-9544, Küßner, Mario, Risch, Robert|||0000-0001-8534-5806
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ddd.uab.cat:309244
Acceso en línea:https://ddd.uab.cat/record/309244
https://dx.doi.org/urn:doi:10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.104998
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Deposits
Grinding stones
Linear Pottery Culture
Macrolithic tools
Object biography
Descripción
Sumario:In recent years, three deposits of grinding stones have been discovered in Central Germany, resembling a phenomenon known from the Paris Basin and Belgium. These deposits were more than simple disposals; they likely held ritual or symbolic significance, reflecting the values and beliefs of the community. Their symbolism is diverse, shaped by both the tools themselves and their locations. The condition of the tools-ranging from new to nearly worn-out-adds layers of meaning, suggesting cycles of creation, use, and obsolescence. These symbols, such as fertility, life cycles, and territorial markers, mirror the daily and yearly rhythms of agrarian life. Additionally, they represent human biographies and social relationships, often emphasizing transitional moments such as birth, marriage, and death. A techno-functional analysis of the grinding tools highlights time as a central theme, symbolized through daily routines, seasonal cycles, and human lifespans. Overall, these interpretations reveal the complex and multifaceted nature of the grinding stone deposits, offering valuable insights into the worldviews and practices of past societies.