Osteological finds from Early Iron Age hillfort of Vis: faunal remains and bone artefacts

Abstract

The site of Vis is situated in northern Bosnia, in a vicinity of present-day town of Derventa. In period 1957-1959, Z. Marić conducted several archaeological campaigns and investigated approximately 120 m2. "e prehistoric settlement at Vis encompassed an area of more than 8000 m2, and can be dated into the Early Iron Age, approximately from 10th century to late 9th century BC. Z. Marić dened two main phases, Vis I-II. Excavations were subsequently carried out on one of terrace/suburbia below Vis hillfort. In this paper will be presented the analyses of osteological remains – faunal remains as well as few bone artefacts. "ese were collected selectively during excavations; however, some data can be extracted. Faunal remains included mainly larger, identiable or complete bones (phalanges, teeth, metapodial bones, etc.). Most of them were identied, and belong to pig, cattle, sheep, goat, red deer, wild swine. Numerous red deer and one roe deer antler were discovered. Assemblage of osseous objects included several tools made from cattle ulnae, as well as one interesting nd of a possible protective plate, part of protective equipment for archers.