The necropolis with stećak tombstones at Kose in Crnići, municipality of Kreševo

Abstract

Stećci form a part of an unbroken sepulchral continuity in Bosnia that reaches far back into prehistoric times, and are clearly associated with the older sites of prehistoric settlements and places of worship, agglomerations and burial grounds dating from antiquity, late antique and early medieval churches and fortified towns. They are impressive evidence of the growing eeconomic power of the Bosnian feudal society in the 14th century, the opening of mines, increased urbanization, and the desire of individuals to present their status and power through the outward appearance of a tombstone. Their origins and evolution may be traced back from the mid 12th to the early 16th century. Stećci at Kose are made of local stone and all are
recumbent monoliths. There are 26 stećci on the site and can be divided into three types: slabs (2 monuments), chest-shaped (19 monuments) and gabled or sarcophagus-like (5 monuments). They are oriented southwest-northeast. A feature of the necropolis is that the monuments are relatively large. Of the total number, only on the upper surface of the stećak no.
14, an ornament in the shape of a rectangular relief bulge is recorded. There are no other types of decorations or inscriptions on the monuments.