Prehistoric Pendants as Instigators of Sound and Body Movements: A Traceological Case Study from Northeast Europe, c. 8200 cal. bp

Abstract

In the Late Mesolithic graves of Yuzhniy Oleniy Ostrov, northwest Russia, large numbers of Eurasian elk (Alces alces) incisors have been found. These teeth, for the most part fashioned into portable pendants, seem to have formed decorative sets for the garments or accessories of the deceased. This article examines both the technologies associated with these artefacts and their uses, as well as reflecting on the sensorial experiences generated by them. Osteological analysis of a sample of 100 specimens indicates that all types of incisors were used for making the pendants. Traceological analysis indicates that the teeth were modified by scraping, grooving, grinding and retouching. Traces of wear consist of general wear and distinctive pits or pecks on the perimeters of the crowns. These traces indicate that the pendants were worn before their deposition in the graves, in such a way that they were in contact with both soft and solid materials. This pattern of pits or pecks has until now been unreported in the traceological literature. In experiments, a similar pattern emerged when pendants of fresh elk incisors were hung in rows and bunches and struck against one another. These strokes created a rattling sound. Thus, the elk incisors of Yuzhniy Oleniy Ostrov appear to provide insight into previously unattainable sonic experiences and activities of Mesolithic hunter-gatherers, as well as the early history of the instrument category of rattles.

An Upper Paleolithic Perforated Red Deer Canine With Geometric Engravings From QG10, Ningxia, Northwest China

“…Since the early Upper Paleolithic, animal teeth were commonly used to manufacture personal ornaments (Wissler and Duvall, 1908;Bordreuil, 1966;Kidd, 1986;White, 1989;Newell et al, 1990;Camps-Faber, 1991;Ladier and Welté, 1994;Giacobini, 1999;Pearson, 1999;d'Errico and Vanhaeren, 2002;Grinnell, 2003;Vanhaeren and d'Errico, 2003;Vanhaeren and d'Errico, 2005;Vanhaeren and d'Errico, 2006;Kuhn and Stiner, 2007;White, 2007;Giering, 2018;Tejero et al, 2020). These items, found at numerous sites including burials (Albrethsen and Petersen, 1976;Rainio and Mannermaa, 2014;Rainio et al, 2021), were surely shaped and assembled carefully to embellish the garments of prehistoric groups. Specific codes relating to where and how personal ornaments were placed on the body could have facilitated the communication of information on the individual and group identity as well as his/her status within that group.…”

Symbolic innovation at the onset of the Upper Paleolithic in Eurasia shown by the personal ornaments from Tolbor-21 (Mongolia)

“…The location and extent of worked areas and the sequence of the technical actions were systematically recorded on the pendant based on microscopic examination.The artefact was examined at magnifications between 4 × and 40 × and photographed with a motorized Z6 APOA equipped with a DFC420 digital camera to document taphonomic and anthropic modifications. The functional analysis relies on experimental data replicating grinding, scraping and polishing stone raw material as well as use-wear by suspension and manipulation of various raw materials including stones [111][112][113][114][115][116][117][118] . Digital images were collected at different heights and adapted algorithms in the Multifocus module of the Leica Application Suite (LAS) were used in order to combine them into one single, sharp composite image that significantly extends the depth of field.…”

Multispecies Pasts and the Possibilities of Multispecies Futures in the Age of the Anthropocene

“…ing particular sensory experiences (cf. Rainio et al 2021). Perhaps, the pendants retained some of their "beaverness" which enabled the wearer to become a part of a wider, more-than-human assemblage, as suggested by Conneller (2004) in her study of the red deer antler frontlets from Star Carr.…”