Innovations in the Early Neolithic bone technology: the case study of Nova Nadezhda (eastern Bulgaria)

Abstract

Changes in subsistence economy that were introduced with the Neolithic way of life, also included and influenced major changes in technology. Some technologies were introduced for the first time, such as ceramic technology, while others, such as lithic or bone technologies, that had been rather important in earlier periods, were now adapted to major changes in everyday lives. The Early Neolithic bone technology in some areas of southeastern Europe shows certain traits that may be characterised as the Mesolithic traditions, but also includes some major changes, related to the new lifestyles, changes in economy and everyday activities – bones from domestic animals now became the major raw materials, diverse tools for small crafts, for agricultural activities, etc., are now predominant, while hunting implements decreased. Among these innovations, some may be characterised as influence from Southwest Asia – in particular, the appearance of spatula-spoons, carefully crafted from Bos metapodial bones; tools from sheep/goat tibiae; specific ornaments produced from long bones, etc. While some of these Southwest Asian objects were adopted without changes, others were locally adapted and modified. This presentation will discuss the Southwest Asian influence as demonstrated in the bone industry of Nova Nadezhda, an early sixth millennium BC site in Upper Thrace (southeastern Bulgaria) that has been investigated since 2013.[conference.unizd.hr/ene2025