Core for flakes on a massive cobble, Middle Paleolithic
Unretouched narrow blade, Middle Paleolithic
Pitted tool on a laminar flake, Middle PaleolithicPermanent Exhibition - Stone Age
The Stone Age Section is engaged in the research, classification, analysis, and interpretation of material remains from the Old, Middle, and New Stone Ages, specifically the Paleolithic (2.6/2.3 million - 10,000 BCE), Mesolithic (10,000 - 6,500/5,500 BCE), and Neolithic (6,500/5,500 - 3,300 BCE). Until 1992, the Museum of the Republic of Srpska was responsible for the Bosanska Krajina region, which influenced both the scope of research and the exhibits in the permanent exhibition. With its designation as a central and parent institution, and its renaming as the Museum of the Republic of Srpska, the museum expanded its archaeological research and activities accordingly.
- CURATOR
Pitted tool on a laminar flake, Middle PaleolithicPaleolithic (2.6/2.3 million BCE - 10,000 BCE) )
The Paleolithic, or the Old Stone Age, in northern and northwestern Bosnia, is represented in the permanent exhibition by the Pećine (Klašnice) site, excavated in 1979, with re-excavation conducted in 2007. Findings so far indicate that the site was inhabited by Neanderthals associated with the Mousterian culture, belonging to the Middle Paleolithic, as well as by Cro-Magnons - people of the Homo sapiens type - associated with the Aurignacian and Gravettian cultures, i.e. the cultures of the Late Paleolithic.
Unretouched narrow blade, Middle Paleolithic Mesolithic (10,000 BCE - 6,500/5,500 BCE)
The Mesolithic, or the Middle Stone Age, represents a chronological gap on the prehistoric archaeological map of Bosanska Krajina. We still lack sufficient data on this period. However, some indications suggest that revising existing collections will change this situation.
Lateralna postruška na masivnom odbitku, srednji paleolitNeolithic (6,500/5,500 BCE - 3,300 BCE)
Due to limited archaeological research, Neolithic (New Stone Age) findings are scarce. The permanent exhibition showcases artifacts from excavations conducted in the 1980s at sites such as Silosi Krčevine, Gradina Bočac, Kosijerevo, Bijelića Glavica, Agino Selo, and Kovačica Durutovci, all dated to the Neolithic period. At Bijelića Glavica (Gornji Drugovići) site, remains of a Neolithic house have been identified, while findings from Silosi Krčevine suggest, according to researcher B. Graljuk, evidence of pit-house settlements. Other sites primarily yielded movable artifacts, including flint, ceramic, and bone materials. Artifacts from Bijelića Glavica are associated with the Late Vinča and Sopot cultures, as well as the Eneolithic period. Based on the shapes, colors, and decorations of the material, B. Graljuk classified the finds from Silosi Krčevine within the Neolithic Sopot-Lengyel culture of the Starčevo tradition, influenced by Vinča culture, specifically the Malo Korenovo type. Neolithic materials from Bočac are chronologically placed at the transition from the Kakanj culture to the early Butmir culture, while materials from Kosijerevo site are linked to the Sopot culture, according to previous studies. Although limited, materials from Kovačica Durutovci site suggest affiliation with the Butmir culture (O. Jamamković). The accuracy of these classifications will be reassessed through comprehensive reviews of the materials, new expert and scientific analyses, re-examinations, and future research.
