Findings from the Princely Tomb of Gruda Boljevića in Podgorica, Montenegro

Abstract

Tumulus of Gruda Boljevići, investigated in 2001 represents the latest find trom the group of four nobles tumuli from the  period of the early Bronze Age, discovered in Montenegro until now (Fig. 1). Burial mound has the irregular cone form, 24 m in diameter and 1.8 m height (Fig. 2 and 3). In its center primary burial was made in a burial rectangular pit, dimensions 1.1 x 0.85 m. The pit has been partially outlined with a series of small stones and up to 0.6 m dug in the natural soil (Fig. 4, 5). so the depth of the grave reached 2,30-2,40 rn, in relation to the highest point of tumulus. A very badly preserved remains of a  deceased person who was squatting at his side were discovered in the pit. Other findings were not reported. Two isolated groups of findings were discovered in the dike of mounds. One group was lying about 0.8 m above the centra! grave, and the  other was also laid almost in the center, but at the surface of the dike, and at a depth of 0.6 m comparing to the highest point of tumuli. The first group contained the follovving eight items: 1. An axe of the finely polished greenish granite with a back  svvaddled blunt ends and hlade, as well as with circularly expanded or thickened middle part around the hole for the shaft. At the opening of the shaft there was a cover of golden foil with a circular and cross allocated needled ornaments. There is less  visible damage at one end of the hlade (axes dimensions: length 12 cm. diameter hole for the shaft 2.2 cm. Fig. 6). 2. Verv corrosive and patinated bronze dagger blade in the form of an elongated triangle with trapezoidal section and rounded on the  upper part. where two holes for attaching the handle are visible (length 10 cm. Fig. 7.2). 3. and 4. Two gold rings of thick  wire, with rhomboid section, one spiked and other thickened end (diameter 1.3 and 1.9 cm, weight 1.85 and 1.75 g: Fig. 7, 3.4).
5. Pendant in the form of an elongated trapezoid with slightly rounded ends of finely polished red porphyry. Perforation is  located on the upper. narrower end (length 7.5 cm. thickness 0.5 cm. Fig. 7.1). 6. The scud ofyellowish clay with the ring impression diameter 4.2 cm (Fig. 8): 7 and 8. Two river pebbles approx. siže 18 x 15 cm. were lying next to each other. 
with this group. Another group of findings consisted of three vessels that were made from purified, fine, but slightlv baked clay. 1. Shallovv cup with a perforated high foot and handle in a shape of the square expansion on the edge, with two  perforations at the outer corners. The vessel is richly decorated with a carved and printed decoration with circular and cross distributed bands on inner and outer side of the vessel (diameter 20 cm, height 6.1 cm. Fig. 9). 2. Conical funnel with a long cvlindrical lower part. The entire external surface of funnel is richly decorated with motifs and decorations that match the technique of cups described above (18.2 cm in height: rim 14.1 cm in diameter. bottorn 4.2 cm in diameter. Fig. 10). 3. Jug with a high, slightlv curved neck, biconic bodv and narrovv Hat bottom. Long strip handle extends from the upper part of the body  below the rim of the bowl. The rich decorations in the form of vertical and horizontal bands with a carved and printed  ornaments that are on the body, and the handle fully corresponds to the svstem of decorating two other vessels from this group (height 22.5 cm. rim diameter 6.4 cm. Fig. 11). In the Middle Ages tumulus was used as secondarv burial place (Fig. 3). so in the surface laver of the dike and mound and in the area around 192 graves the were buried. Findings from this tumulus fully correspond to those of the other princely graves in the area of Montenegro, and the early Bronze Age culture of the 
eastern Adriatic area, vvhere ali these tumuli belong. What makes this burrow special is the burial ritual vvhich differs in some essential elements from other burials of this area, namely by the lack of burial structures and by separately taking  contributions beyond the grave. Luxury axe and other items from the first group of findings can be interpreted as personal property of the deceased, which indicates a high-ranking male. Such objects in prehistoric burials were regularlv attached to the deceased, or placed in the wider area of the grave. For these reasons the situation found in the Gruda Boljevića is extremely unusual. Based on the available data there is no possibilitv of looking for reasons for the practice that personal items were separated from the deceased and attached outside the tomb. However. according to ali the circumstances of  findings. this gesture was part of burial rituals practiced in this mound. Circumstances of the second group of subjects as well as the reasons for their separation seern a little clearer. Three vessels from this group were obviously used in a ritual performed after making a burial in the centra! tomb and during the formation of tumuli embankment. Jug and funnel are making the set for spilling liquid sacrifice (libatio), making it to štand out as a unique finding in the vvider cultural   environment. The thirđ vessel of this group. a shallow cup on the foot belongs to the standard repertoire of Montenegrin princelv graves. It was probablv used as a censer within ritual ceremonv involving ineense, eg. fumigation with ineense. Since the ring imprint on the seud. from the lirst group of findings fully matehes the findings of the funnel hole diameter. it can be assumed that liquid sacrifice was poured at this place. That is the ritual of libation. and probablv service of ineense, which was an integral part of the ritual performed during the placement of personal items of deceased in the embankment above the tomb. After performing the ceremonv and at the end of the tumuli mound making these vessels were deposited on the  surface of the dunes, in the center of the mound, directlv above the centra! tomb. Funnel was left in an upright position and the cense bowl laid beside it. This shows that the spill sacrifices ritual and ineense ritual of sacred area could be done here.  which probablv marked the end of the funeral ceremony and constructing mound of Gruda Boljevića.