Volume 53 (2003) Issue: 2003 No#5-6

EVALUATIONS OF THE DOMESTICATION PROCESS IN SERBIA - PALEZOOLOGICAL REMNANTS AT NEOLITHIC SETTLEMENT OF BELOVODE

Author(s): Jovanović S, Savić Mila, Trailović Ružica, Janković Ž, Šljivar D

Keywords:domestication, palezoological remnants, Neolithic Serbia

During research on neolithic cultural sites in North-eastern Serbia fragmented bones were revealed. Archaeological studies were initiated in order to broaden the data concerning the long, historical tradition of animal breeding, especially those concerning the phenotype and genotype of prehistoric ancestors of domestic animals in the centre of Northeast Serbia. Four phases of neolithic culture were distinguished in the settlement of Belovode according to the stratigraphy, stylistic and typological character. They were chronologically defined to belong to the period of about 5 500-4 800 years B.C. The study of the osseological material, excavated on the site, gave rise to multidisciplinary research concerning the type of animals undergoing the process of domestication. Bovine bone fragments dominated. The position, age and state of the fragments indicated Belovode as a possible centre of ruminant domestication in this region.