Indo-Europeanization – the seven dimensions in the study of a never-ending process

This contribution focuses on the multifaceted process of Indo-Europeanization which started out, in the Pontic-Caspian region, with the formation of a distinct ethno-cultural epicenter, the Proto-Indo-European complex. Since the late Neolithic, the Indo-Europeanization of Europe and parts of Asia produced various scenarios of contact and conflict. Altogether seven dimensions are highlighted as essential for the study of the contacts which unfolded between Indo-Europeans and non-Indo-European populations (i.e. Uralians, Caucasians, ancient populations in southern and central Europe). Selective aspects of cultural and linguistic fusion processes during the Neolithic and subsequent periods are discussed, and the controversial term ‘migration’ is redefined.Ta prispevek se osredotoča na večfasetni proces indoevropeizacije, ki se je začela na Pontsko-kaspijskem območju z oblikovanjem izrazitega etno-kulturnega epicentra, proto-indo-evropskega kompleksa. Od mlajšega neolitika dalje je indoevropeizacija Evrope in delov Azije proizvedla različne scenarije kontakta in konflikta. Predstavljenih je sedem bistvenih dimenzij, pomembnih za preučevanje kontaktov, ki so so potekali med Indoevropskimi in ne-Indoevropskimi populacijami (Ural, Kavkaz, stare populacije v Južni in Srednji Evropi). Razpravljamo o selektivnih aspektih procesov kulturnega in lingvističnega zlitja v času neolitika ter kasneje. Ponovno smo opredelili kontroverzni pojem »migracija«

The challenge of the abstract mind: symbols, signs and notational systems in European prehistory

Since the earliest manifestations of symbolic activity in modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens) in the Upper Palaeolithic, there is evidence for two independent cognitive procedures, for the production of representational images (naturalistic pictures or sculptures) and of abstract signs. The use of signs and symbols is attested for archaic humans (Homo neanderthalensis) and for Homo erectus while art in naturalistic style is an innovation among modern humans. The symbiotic interaction of the two symbolic capacities is illustrated for the visual heritage of Palaeolithic cave paintings in Southwestern Europe, for rock engravings in the Italian Alps (Val Camonica) and for the vivid use of signs and symbols in Southeastern Europe during the Neolithic. Around 5500 BC, sign use in Southeastern Europe reached a sophisticated stage of organization as to produce the earliest writing system of mankind. Since abstractness is the main theme in the visual heritage of the region, this script, not surprisingly, is composed of predominantly abstract signs.Od prve uporabe simbolov pri modernih ljudeh (Homo sapiens sapiens) v mlajšem paleolitiku so znani dokazi o dveh neodvisnih kognitivnih postopkih, ki ju predstavljata ustvarjanje naturalističnih slik ali kipov in ustvarjanje abstraktnih znakov. Uporaba znakov in simbolov je izpričana pri neandertalcih (Homo neanderthalensis) in za vzravnanega človeka (Homo erectus), medtem ko je naturalistična umetnost inovacija modernega človeka. To medsebojno prepletanje simboličnih zmogljivosti smo ponazorili pri dediščini paleolitskih jamskih slik Jugozahodne Evrope, pri skalnih gravurah v italijanskih Alpah (Val Camonica) in pri živahni uporabi znakov in simbolov v neolitiku Jugovzhodne Evrope. Okoli leta 5500 pr.n.št. je dosegla uporaba znakov v Jugovzhodni Evropi visoko raven organiziranosti in nastal je najzgodnejši sistem pisave v zgodovini človeštva. V pisavi prevladujejo abstraktni znaki, kar ne preseneča, saj je abstrakcija glavni motiv slikovne dediščine te regije