This paper presents and evaluates the archaeobotanical and archaeological evidence of plant product storage from Early and Late Neolithic sites in Serbia, southeast Europe. The commonly stated and widely accepted archaeological evidence of storage in the region includes ceramic pots, clay bins and pits. However, as shown in our study, the archaeobotanical evidence does not always support the interpretation of these structures and objects as plant storage containers, as it is often of secondary origin and composed of discarded plant material such as by-products of plant use. On the other hand, the available botanical record points to some other possible ways of storing plant products, such as in perishable containers that do not normally survive archaeologically in this part of the world. Although limited, the combined evidence indicates variability in plant storage practices and solutions within the cultural phenomena associated with the Neolithic Starčevo and Vinča cultures of the region. For instance, plant storage in large clay pots was noted at some of the sites, and in clay bins at others. Also, different structures and features may have been used for storing crop products, whilst wild plants seem to have been kept in perishable and/or small ceramic containers. A further impression is that finds of the same plant (type) in different containers may reflect different stages in processing. KeywordsNeolithic • Serbia • Crop storage • Wild plant storage • Pots • Pits Communicated by F. Toulemonde.

In this paper, we review several steps of the process leading to the creation of the on-site museum at the Neolithic site of Drenovac: archaeological research (geophysical survey, excavations, processing of findings and samples), conservation and presentation of archaeological heritage. The concept of the site's presentation revolves around in situ remains of the Late Neolithic houses. The process of their conservation was a pioneering project in Serbia and included cooperating and consulting with various experts. The presentation of the site is still an ongoing project with the focus of the final stages on the exhibition space in the area surrounding the preserved houses. The exhibition will be designed to tell a story about the site, excavations and findings. In addition to the presentation of life in the Neolithic settlement, the goal is to show the work of archaeologists in discovering the past -from excavation to interpretation. This approach provides a unique experience for the visitors -an introduction to the life of the Neolithic community in the original location on one side, and on the other side -it offers an opportunity to get acquainted with the methods and processes of discovering the past.

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