TEHRAN – A team of Russian archaeologists has recently discovered unique Stone Age artifacts along the Serteyka River valley in the Smolensk Region.

The North-West Archaeological Expedition of the State Hermitage Museum has successfully excavated ancient Stone Age settlements unearthing valuable bone and amber jewelry, tvbrics.com reported.

Among the season’s most remarkable finds are a pendant made from a boar’s tusk and a male breast ornament, both discovered in the cultural layer of the Serteya II settlement, which dates back to 5,000-4,000 BC.

Additionally, an anthropomorphic figure made of flint was found—an unprecedented discovery in this region.

Scientists are now tasked with determining the purpose of this figurine: whether it was used as a pendant, amulet, or had another function. Some experts speculate that the piece might have been unfinished, indicating local production of such artifacts.

According to Andrey Mazurkevich, the head of the expedition, these new findings offer intriguing insights into the trade relations of the local population and the cultural influences of the steppe and forest-steppe cultures of Eastern Europe.

The researchers also noted that with the arrival of these cultures came advancements in material culture, including pottery and products made from bone and horn.

AM