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The Lusatian culture
The Kashubian Group of Lusatian culture
Bronze Age decorationsThe Neolith epoch consists of five periods: early, older, middle, younger and the youngest. The evidence of the settlement cultures from the early period of bronze were confirmed with archaeological discoveries in Slupsk, Mianowice, Rebowo and Karwno. Among the found objects made from bronze in this period, decorations (necklaces, pins, bracelets) dominate, as well as the labour tools and weapons. In years 1450-1200 B.C. (the older period of Bronze epoch) the cultural unification of autochthonous population living in Middle Pomerania comes with the immigrant population. Instead of plentiful, local cultures - the one and common culture was formed, which was called the pre-Lusatian culture. From this period the numerous pra-Slavic tribes of the Lusatian culture derive. The name is taken from the first cemetery that was discovered in Luzyce, which is typical for this culture. The basis of the existence of the Lusatian tribes was the animal husbandry.
Tools of the daily useAt the beginning of the middle period of Bronze epoch in 1200÷1000 B.C. in the Middle Pomerania, the Eastern-Pomeranian culture was developed. It was also called the Kashubian group of the Lusatian culture. The basis of existence of this population was agriculture, shepherding, fishing and hunting. The settlement lifestyle of this culture on the terrains of Slupsk was confirmed with archaeological discoveries from different periods. A lot of objects made from bronze together with their technical purpose indicate that the contemporary metallurgy was very advanced.
Dishes of the Lusatian cultureTools of the daily use, beside of their useful features, are often distinguished with the artistic skills of realization. The pottery is represented through pitchers, vases, amphorae and cups as well as cinerary urns. The tombs were very often equipped with deadly accessories (this they were small crockery) and decorations made from bronze. As opposed to the population who had inhabited these areas earlier, proto-Slavic burnt remains of deceased, burying their ashes in cinerary urns. Skeletal graves also sometimes appear, but they are of minimum percentage of the dominant crematory rituals.
The majority of graves, that were found, are completely flat and indistinctive on the surface. In this period the kurgan graves were also found on our terrains. They were found at the well-known cemetery in Lupawa. A characteristic feature of kurgan tombs is their rectangular shape reminding elongated trapezium. They contain from one to a few crematory burials. They often contain embankments or other stone structures. These tombs are dated on 1700-1600 B.C.
Natural powers played the leading role in beliefs of this culture. Cult of the sun was the leading cult. The meaning of forest animals was also very important. Pomeranian pagans believed in a deer, which was considered to be the guide to the land of the dead. People never hunted these animals and their images were placed among other things on urns. The ritual burial of the skull of deer, placed in the stony case between case graves of the Eastern culture in Ostaszewo, is the example of strong beliefs in deer. The plant world also strongly influenced the beliefs and the life of our ancestors. Some trees were assigned to have the soul. Oaks possessed the thundering power, aspens could reverse evil and lindens possessed the healing power.