Zdeňka Nerudová | Moravian Museum (original) (raw)

Papers by Zdeňka Nerudová

STONE AGE Studying Technologies of Non-analogous Environments and Glacial Ecosystems Papers in Honor of Jürgen Richter, 2024

Generally speaking, a bifacial tool is usually understood to be a tool of long use-life with a sp... more Generally speaking, a bifacial tool is usually understood to be a tool of long use-life with a special
function. In comparison with, for example, a side scraper, much more time is needed for the fabrication of
a bifacial tool, but the proposed use of these two tools is the same. Some scholars note that a leaf point /
bifacial tool represents a tool with high social status, which, on the one hand, is given by the difficulty or skill
required in its knapping and, on the other, the possible functional variability of using the tool. The excavation
of the Moravský Krumlov IV site with Szeletian artefacts in situ has allowed us to perform various analyses
during recent decades and ask ourselves many questions. In the light of the above-mentioned “mainstream
theory,” the question arose as to whether a bifacial tool represents only a symbolic tool or something else. In
this article, I discuss the role of bifacial tools / leaf points in general and not regarding their specific groups.

Solving Stone Age puzzles: From artefacts and sites towards archaeological interpretations, 2024

Quartär, 2022

The southern part of the Brno urban agglomeration (Czech Republic) is a crucial region for unders... more The southern part of the Brno urban agglomeration (Czech Republic) is a crucial region for understanding the Late Upper Palaeolithic (Epigravettian) occupation in Central Europe. Despite limited archaeological research in the urban area, the newly uncovered Brno-Štýřice IIIb site has provided additional information about the character of the Palaeolithic occupation, the hunted fauna, and climate. Our information about the Late Palaeolithic has been increased by recent finds. In this article we present two unique finds, both lithic chipped pieces with grooves on the cortex, found in a well-dated stratigraphic context at the recently excavated area. The different kinds of grooves on the cortex of the chipped stone artefacts can be understood as an example of possible intentional modification of the subjects. We will try to resolve the question of whether these pieces can be understood as non-utilitarian pieces, decorations, symbols (which are rare in the Epigravettian), or if the pieces represent the results of everyday Palaeolithic life. Zusammenfassung-Der südliche Teil des städtischen Ballungsraums von Brno (Tschechische Republik) stellt eine Schlüsselregion für das Verständnis der spät-jungpaläolithischen-Epigravettien-Besiedlung in Mitteleuropa dar. Trotz eingeschränkter Grabungsmöglichkeiten im städtischen Kontext lieferte die unlängst entdeckte Fundstelle Brno-Štýřice IIIb neue Erkenntnisse über den Charakter der paläolithischen Besiedlung, die gejagte Fauna und das damalige Klima. Unsere Kenntnisse über das Epigravettien wurden um neue Entdeckungen bereichert. In dem Beitrag werden zwei einzigartige Funde vorgestellt: zwei Steinartefakte mit Rillen auf dem Kortex aus einem gut datierten stratigraphischen Kontext. Verschiedenartige Rillen auf der Kortex der Steinartefakte können als mögliche, absichtlich ausgeführte Ritzungen interpretiert werden. Wir werden versuchen, die Frage zu klären, ob diese Objekte als nicht-utilitäre Stücke-Dekorationen, Symbole-verstanden werden können (die im Epigravettien selten sind), oder ob sie Spuren des paläolithischen Alltags sind.

Światowit, 2023

This contribution presents new information on a long-known Late Upper Palaeolithic site in the Mo... more This contribution presents new information on a long-known Late Upper Palaeolithic site in the Moravian Karst in the Czech Republic: the Nová Drátenická Cave. Previous interpretations of the peculiar archaeological assemblage oscillated between attribution to the Epigravettian on the one hand and to the Magdalenian on the other, as both industries were present in Moravia after the end of the Last Glacial Maximum. In either case, a rather early dating has been supposed. We reassessed the stratigraphy, lithic and osseous industry, and subjected an antler projectile point to 14 C dating and palaeoproteomic analysis. We did not find any evidence for stratigraphic mixing and, thus, propose that the assemblage of Nová Drátenická reflects a single or several successive occupations. On typo-technological grounds, we come to the conclusion that the finds are rather consistent with the Magdalenian. The radiocarbon date of the point is 16-15.7 ka cal BP, which places it in the first half of GS-2a. This is congruent with the identification of the raw material as reindeer through ZooMS. Hence, the Nová Drátenická Cave currently provides the earliest solid evidence for the Magdalenian in the Moravian Karst. Together with the contemporaneous assemblages of Kniegrotte in eastern Germany, Dzierżysław 35 in southern Poland, and potentially also Vilshofen-Kuffing in southeastern Germany and Hranice in Moravia, it probably attests to the first major expansion of the Magdalenian into eastern Central Europe at around 16 ka cal BP.

Archeologické rozhledy, 2019

Several archaeological artefacts from Kůlna Cave (Blansko disctrict, Czech Republic) date its set... more Several archaeological artefacts from Kůlna Cave (Blansko disctrict, Czech Republic) date its settlement
to the last 250 thousand years. The stratigraphy both inside the cave and at the entrance was complicated,
so that macroscopically similar sediments may have comprised of Magdalenian, Gravettian, and Micoquian
industries. The first radiocarbon dates surprisingly showed one Epigravettian date, obtained from
an animal bone from layer 5, supposedly belonging to the Magdalenian. Also, a further series of dates from
strictly controlled contexts (i.e., those definitely correlated with a single layer) showed interstratification
of finds between layers. The question of whether there was indeed an Epigravettian settlement phase of the
cave was tested with the analysis of butts of debitage, and preserved cores from layers 5 and 6, to specify
the used knapping technology. It became clear that the used technology was uniform throughout Magdalenian
layers 5 and 6, but spatial analysis of hearths and heated artefacts indicate these were likely to have
been disturbed and may also include older material.

Archaeological and Anthrapological Sciences, 2021

Kůlna Cave is the only site inMoravia, Czech Republic, from which large assemblages of bothMagdal... more Kůlna Cave is the only site inMoravia, Czech Republic, from which large assemblages of bothMagdalenian and Epimagdalenian
archaeological materials have been excavated from relatively secure stratified deposits. The site therefore offers the unrivalled
opportunity to explore the relationship between these two archaeological phases. In this study, we undertake radiocarbon, stable
isotope (carbon, nitrogen and sulphur), and ZooMS analysis of the archaeological faunal assemblage to explore the chronological
and environmental context of the Magdalenian and Epimagdalenian deposits. Our results show that the Magdalenian and
Epimagdalenian deposits can be understood as discrete units from one another, dating to the Late Glacial between c. 15,630 cal.
BP and 14,610 cal. BP, and c. 14,140 cal. BP and 12,680 cal. BP, respectively. Stable isotope results (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) indicate that
Magdalenian and Epimagdalenian activity at Kůlna Cave occurred in very different environmental settings. Magdalenian occupation
took place within a nutrient-poor landscape that was experiencing rapid changes to environmental moisture, potentially linked
to permafrost thaw. In contrast, Epimagdalenian occupation occurred in a relatively stable, temperate environment composed of a
mosaic of woodland and grassland habitats. The potential chronological gap between the two phases, and their associations with
very different environmental conditions, calls into question whether the Epimagdalenian should be seen as a local, gradual
development of the Magdalenian. It also raises the question of whether the gap in occupation at Kůlna Cave could represent a
change in settlement dynamics and/or behavioural adaptations to changing environmental conditions.

Analecta Archaeologica Ressoviensia, 2020

The study focuses on some methodological problems associated with the research of cave sites. A l... more The study focuses on some methodological problems associated with the research of cave sites. A large amount of anthracological material came from the context of the layers with archaeological material from the Pod hradem Cave (Moravian Karst, Czech Republic). Some samples were determined as Taxus, which in this context would be among the first evidence of yew in the Middle Pleistocene. However, their dating showed significant secondary redepositions. Similar redepositions of material were repeatedly found in the dating of material from the Kůlna Cave (Moravian Karst, Czech Republic). Here, too, in certain parts of the cave, there was secondary redeposited archaeological material in seemingly intact sediments. Both caves were inhabited-Kůlna Cave from MIS 8 to MIS 2, Pod hradem Cave-from MIS 3e to MIS 2. At the same time, intensive post-sedimentation processes took place in both caves, accompanied by the activities of large carnivores inhabiting these caves alternately with humans. The last important factor influencing stratigraphy was the archaeological excavations at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century.

Quaternary International, 2021

The role of environmental change in the evolution of cultural traits is a topic of long-standing ... more The role of environmental change in the evolution of cultural traits is a topic of long-standing scientific debate with strongly contrasting views. Major obstacles for assessing environmental impacts on the evolution of material culture are the fragmentary nature of archaeological and – to a somewhat lesser extent – geoscientific archives and the insufficient chronological resolution of these archives and related proxy data. Together these aspects are causing difficulties in data synchronization. By no means does this paper attempt to solve these issues, but rather aims at shifting the focus from demonstrating strict chains of causes and events to describing roughly contemporaneous developments by compiling and comparing existing evidence from archaeology and geosciences for the period between 40 and 15 ka in Central Europe. Analysis of the archaeological record identifies five instances at around 33, 29, 23.5, 19, and 16 ka, for which evidence suggests an increased speed of cultural evolution. By comparing data from different geoscientific archives, we discuss whether or not these instances have common characteristics. We stress that common characteristics per se are no proof of causality; repeated co-occurrences of certain features over long periods of time, however, suggest that certain explanations may be more plausible than others. While all five cases roughly coincide with pronounced and rapid environmental changes, it is also observed that such conditions do not necessarily trigger major changes in the material culture. Increases and decreases in the diversity of cultural traits seem to be rather correlated with the overall demographic development. In compiling and comparing our data, we also identify periods with high need and potential for future research regarding the relation between environmental change and cultural evolution.

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2021

Experimental heat treatment was applied to Moravian (Czech Republic) Jurassic cherts of Olomučany... more Experimental heat treatment was applied to Moravian (Czech Republic) Jurassic cherts of Olomučany type to find whether it leads to better flaking properties. Indentation tests and other tests were used and compared with the changes in infrared (NIR) spectra which are usually indicative of mechanical changes linked with water loss from the material. The indentation tests provided ambiguous results due to irregular propagation of cracks from indent corners. On the other hand, three-point-load fracturing and resonance tests were usable and indicated that the cherts are best flakeable after heating to 300°C when fracture toughness is reduced whereas elastic modulus increases. These two changes complement each other: The first causes easier flakeability and the other more stable crack propagation and predictability. The simultaneous formation of fluid inclusions probably contributes to swifter crack propagation. As shown by our sequence statistics analysis, the drop in fracture toughness seems to be a more gradual process, whereas the increase in stiffness at 300°C is rather sudden. The fact that the Olomučany chert or other fine-grained lithologies were not heattreated in the prehistory of eastern Central Europe indicates that the improvement by heat treatment was not practised in this area in prehistory, unlike in more westerly regions. This may be due to long-distance imports of other, finer-grained lithologies, a strategy frequented in the region since 40,000 BCE.

Přehled výzkumů, 2022

As a result of the rescue excavation at 11 Vídeňská Street in 2021, we can specify the extension ... more As a result of the rescue excavation at 11 Vídeňská Street in 2021, we can specify the extension of a previously excavated area in the cadastral territory of Štýřice. A small collection of chipped stone industry and animal bones was unearthed. The form of these finds, their stratigraphic position, and a radio carbon date retrieved from one of the animal bones enable us to connect this location with a previously excavated Epigravettian settlement, located just tens of metres to the west from the newly excavated site. The composition of the chipped stone industry (predominance of burins) together with the burin blows indicates the possibility of a shortterm site for processing hunted fauna.

Študijné zvesti - Supplementum 2, 2021

In the last few years, there have been studies showing that the issue of Late Upper Palaeolithic ... more In the last few years, there have been studies showing that the issue of Late Upper Palaeolithic (LUP)
industries located in and around Moravia (Czech Republic) are much more complex than previously
thought. Focusing on Epigravettian/Epiaurignacian and Magdalenian, one of the possible solutions is
the detailed study of knapping technology. Initial studies indicated that Epigravettian units can be distinguished
from the Magdalenian collections. By applying the study of knapping technology to unclear
collections, their culture can be determined to some extent, if it is not demonstrated in another clearer
way. Analogies indicate that the knapping technology defined for Moravian LUP units may have a wider
regional validity.

Stratum Plus, 2022

Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology Paleolithic people between the worldly and the otherworldly... more Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology Paleolithic people between the worldly and the otherworldly Magic at Mira? Who came up with the fi rst rules of conduct and why How the fi rst inhabitants of Kostenki made their adornments Micoquian strides eastward

The Kůlna Cave in the Moravian Karst is an important site for acquiring knowledge on the developm... more The Kůlna Cave in the Moravian Karst is an important site for acquiring knowledge on the development of Upper P alaeolithic cultures in Central Europe. Within a new project aimed at the re-evaluation of the chronology of the cave, the authors have also paid attention to the dating of the Upper Palaeolithic sequence that comprises the Gravettian, the Magdalenian (layers 6 and 5) and the Epimagdalenian (layers 4 and 3). Samples were selected from the osteological collection, and items bearing marks of human impact and with clear data on their locations were preferred. The dating of all samples was performed in the Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit. It was obvious that some of the horizons had either become contaminated with more recent material, or their real stratigraphic position was not recognised correctly. Through a comparison of all data, particularly, the positions of the Epimagdalenian layer 4 and the Magdalenian layer 6 were stated more precisely. For the time being the pos...

Archaologisches Korrespondenzblatt, 2010

Der Fundplatz Moravský Krumlov IV liegt in der Region des Krumlov-Waldes (Krumlovský Les), der fu... more Der Fundplatz Moravský Krumlov IV liegt in der Region des Krumlov-Waldes (Krumlovský Les), der fur seine Hornsteinvorkommen bekannt ist. Ausgrabungen wurden 2000-2004 in verschiedenen Sektoren durchgefuhrt; hierbei konnten vier palaolithische Fundhorizonte erkannt werden. Der unterste Horizont (Fundschicht 3) gehort noch in OIS 6 und offenbart die Nutzung von Levallois- und diskoiden Abbaukonzepten. Die Fundschichten 2 und 1 konnten von OIS 5e bis OIS 5c datiert werden. Die Steinartefakte werden als Belege fur ein sehr fruhes Micoquien gewertet. Der hangende Fundhorizont 0 gehort zum Szeletien, als eine Variante der fruhjungpalaolithischen Technokomplexe. Dessen Steinindustrie wird detailliert beschrieben. Die Analyse der Zusammensetzungen mit Blattspitzen erhellen eine besondere Variante der Gerateherstellung.

Quaternary International, 2021

Abstract The period of the second half of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the beginning of the... more Abstract The period of the second half of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the beginning of the Late Glacial (LGT) belongs to a remarkably interesting period of human history because humans had to adapt to severe conditions. Moravia, in the eastern part of the Czech Republic, is one of the crucial European regions where we can study human behaviour during the mentioned period. This area was not depopulated due to the presence of local refuges. There are 50 sites that are attributed to the Epigravettian or the Epiaurignacian. Some of these have been dated between 23 and 15 ka cal BP. One approach to studying relations between both technocomplexes is related to the analysis of settlement strategies. Earlier analyses have indicated people changed their behaviour during the end of the LGM and the beginning of the LGT. They preferred protected locations and we are able to identify two mains strategies – sites in low elevations near main rivers or higher elevations on the eastern slopes. New analyses based on statistics confirm two different settlement strategies in Moravia during the time under analysis. The first, which is better defined, is related to sites classified as Epiaurignacian. The second group is represented by Epigravettian assemblages. The settlement strategy for this technocomplex is more variable. Two different settlement strategies during the Late Upper Palaeolithic (LUP) in Moravia may indicate two different communities, seasonal changes in behaviour of one community or cultural evolution of one community over time.

Přehled výzkumů, 2020

We report on the first field season at the Gravettian site Hošťálkovice II. Hošťálkovice II is an... more We report on the first field season at the Gravettian site Hošťálkovice II. Hošťálkovice II is an important site in the region of Ostrava situated at a strategic position above the confluence of Odra and Opava Rivers. Previous surface prospections and a small test pit excavated in 1995 found evidence for a Gravettian industry, as well as younger (Neolithic?) occupation. Two archaeological layers were detected in 1995 and the documented profile was 1.3–1.5 m thick. An excavation conducted in 2019 approx. 30 m away from the 1995 test pit showed significant differences in stratigraphy. The maximum thickness of the sediments does not exceed 30 cm. Both Palaeolithic (patinated) and post-Paleolithic (non-patinated) artefacts were situated throughout the profile. In this contribution, we present all previous knowledge about the site, discuss the stratigraphy and the possibility of several occupation events at the site during the Palaeolithic/post-Palaeolithic period.

Přehled výzkumů, 2020

Švédův Stůl Cave in the Moravian Karst has been excavated several times since Martin Kříž started... more Švédův Stůl Cave in the Moravian Karst has been excavated several times since Martin Kříž started the first excavation in 1886. Two parts of the site were re-excavated in 2019. The primary aim was to conduct classical as well as innovative and experimental sedimentological and geoarchaeological investigations of sediments from the discarded spoil heap outside the cave entrance (trench C–D). Intact sediments with a small number of lithic artefacts and a large number of animal bones were also excavated during the 2019 excavation (trench A–B) located under the trench excavated by Bohuslav Klíma’s team in the 1950s. An attempt is being made using pXRF, benchtop ED-XRF and ITRAX techniques to link some of the sedimentary material in the spoil heap (C–D) with the stratified sediments in trench A–B. Animal bones and lithic artefacts were found in both trenches. Numerous samples were collected for geoarchaeological, palaeoenvironmental and dating analyses and the results will be published i...

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2019

The most precise method for reconstructing operational chains (chaîne opératoire) is the refittin... more The most precise method for reconstructing operational chains (chaîne opératoire) is the refitting of stone artefacts. Unfortunately, the sequences for forming a typical Szeletian artefact—a leaf point—were missing for a long time. Finds from the multilayer open-air site of Moravský Krumlov IV (Czech Republic) brought a unique opportunity to study Szeletian technology through refittings. The excavations of this site uncovered an in situ horizon in the uppermost archaeological layer 0 in sector IV-3 that has been classified as a workshop. On the basis of both technology and dating, the finds are related to the Szeletian. Spatial distribution of bifacial artefact refittings shows that pieces were produced in two distinct spots within the excavated area. An analysis of their deposition indicated an in situ position, and therefore, results of the technological analysis can be understood as significant. Refittings and surface morphological analyses demonstrate a specific manner of leaf point production based primarily on achieving a maximum reduction in thickness and a minimum reduction of their length and, especially, width. Although incomplete and unsuccessful artefacts are reminiscent of the Middle Palaeolithic Micoquian backed knives, the general production strategy tended towards the manufacture of rather symmetrical leaf points. It seems probable, therefore, that the described method of production of leaf points is characteristic for the Early Szeletian in Moravia.

Quaternary Science Reviews, 2018

Abstract Knowledge of global climatic fluctuations in the last glacial period has been instrument... more Abstract Knowledge of global climatic fluctuations in the last glacial period has been instrumental for understanding evolution of the landscape and human behavior. Regional environmental responses to these fluctuations are influenced by many factors and their identification at the regional level usually results in local chronostratigraphic schemes. The term Podhradem Interstadial was introduced to the scientific community in 1966 on the basis of the results of an interdisciplinary excavation at Pod Hradem Cave in the Moravian Karst (Czech Republic). Brown soil horizons preserved in the upper part of the section were interpreted as evidence for a warmer period in the last glacial period. The upper part of this soil complex contained fauna remains and lithic artefacts indirectly dated to the time range 28.2–33.3 14C ka BP. Although based on contemporary state of knowledge, the Podhradem Interstadial had no stratigraphic equivalent in loess profiles of former Czechoslovakia and Lower Austria, the term was occasionally used in the European literature. The new interdisciplinary excavations of Pod Hradem Cave (2011–2016) yielded new data, which we use to re-evaluate the concept of the Podhradem Interstadial. In light of the new results, it seems that the original definition of Podhradem Interstadial has a number of problems. It does not fulfill stratigraphic standards and it is evident that the contemporaneous sediments differ lithologically in different parts of the cave. Furthermore, when we take into account the current availability of sophisticated climatostratigraphic schemes for the MIS 3 period, the continuing use of the Podhradem Interstadial should be considered redundant.

STONE AGE Studying Technologies of Non-analogous Environments and Glacial Ecosystems Papers in Honor of Jürgen Richter, 2024

Solving Stone Age puzzles: From artefacts and sites towards archaeological interpretations, 2024

Quartär, 2022

Światowit, 2023

Archeologické rozhledy, 2019

Archaeological and Anthrapological Sciences, 2021

Analecta Archaeologica Ressoviensia, 2020

Quaternary International, 2021

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2021

Přehled výzkumů, 2022

Študijné zvesti - Supplementum 2, 2021

Stratum Plus, 2022

Archaologisches Korrespondenzblatt, 2010

Quaternary International, 2021

Přehled výzkumů, 2020

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2019

Quaternary Science Reviews, 2018

Hledání pravěkého času, 2021

Studie Centra kulturní antropologie 5 / Study Series of the Centre for Cultural Anthropology 5 , 2018

Kolektivní monografie Proměny Pavilonu Anthropos v čase je věnována kulturnímu a historickému odk... more Kolektivní monografie Proměny Pavilonu Anthropos v čase je věnována kulturnímu a historickému odkazu Pavilonu Anthropos v Brně. Knihu tvoří tři relativně samostatné části, v nichž autoři provádí deskripci, analýzu
a interpretaci vědeckých a výzkumných aktivit spojených s touto významnou muzejní institucí. V první studii 90 let muzea Anthropos: Proměny muzea v období první Československé republiky její autor archeolog Petr Kostrhun věnuje pozornost vzniku a vývojovým proměnám muzea Anthropos, jeho funkci, cílům a náplni, včetně
vědeckého přínosu klíčových osobností. Ve druhé studii Umění rekonstrukce pravěku: počátky vizualizace vzhledu a způsobu života našich předků antropoložka a historička umění Barbora
Půtová představuje vymezení, cíle a poslání výtvarné rekonstrukce
evoluce člověka. Autorka sleduje postupný vývoj a základní milníky výtvarné rekonstrukce pravěku a evoluce člověka od 50. let
19. století až do období druhé světové války na území Evropy i ve Spojených státech amerických. Ve třetí studii Za tajemstvím sbírek
A. de Paniagua, důstojníka francouzské Čestné legie archeoložka Zdeňka Nerudová přibližuje jednu ze sbírek prehistorických artefaktů, které vlastní Ústav Anthropos. Jedná se o sbírku francouzského historika a důstojníka Čestné legie André de Paniagua (1848–1931), která byla do muzea zakoupena v roce 1929. Monografie je vedená
snahou prezentovat na vybraných příkladech historický odkaz a kulturní
hodnotu muzea Antropos.
The collective monograph Transformations of the Anthropos Pavilion in Time is dedicated to the cultural and historic legacy of the Anthropos Pavilion in Brno. The book consists of three relatively independent parts
in which their authors map and interpret scientific and research activities linked with this institution. 90 years of the museum Anthropos:
The transformations of the museum at the time of the First Czechoslovak Republic is the first study in which Petr Kostrhun discusses the origins and history of the Anthropos Museum, its
appearance and activities including its key personalities. In the second
study The art of reconstructing prehistory: Beginnings of the
visualisation of our ancestors’ appearance and their way of life Barbora Půtová deals with artistic reconstruction of human evolution and
explains its objectives and mission. The study monitors the gradual development and basic milestones of artistic reconstruction of prehistory and human evolution in Europe and in the U.S.
from the 1850s to the Second World War. The third study
Behind the secrets of the collections of A. de Paniagua, officer of the French Legion of Honour Zdeňka Nerudová describes a collection of the
Anthropos Institute. The collection of the French historian and officer of the Legion of Honour André de Paniagua (1848–1931) was
purchased for the museum in 1929. The monograph is driven by the effort to present the cultural legacy of the Anthropos Museum on selected examples.

Také si představujete díky různým filmům a knihám lovce doby kamenné jako napůl nahé odpudivé div... more Také si představujete díky různým
filmům a knihám lovce doby
kamenné jako napůl nahé
odpudivé divochy vláčející za
sebou po zemi těžký kyj, skučící
a vrčící prapodivnými zvuky místo
řeči? Myslíte si, že byli spíše
zvířaty než lidmi a kromě boje
a jídla je nic nezajímalo? Že to
byli tupí primitivové, kteří se
navzájem požírali a s námi neměli
nic společného?
Paleolitičtí lovci určitě nebyli
flegmatici, kteří netečně snášeli
rány osudu – v jejich případě
hlavně výkyvy klimatu, změny ve
skladbě a množství zvěře nebo
rostlin, tlaky demografické,
ekologické nebo sociální.
Archeologické nálezy prokazují,
že po celou dobu byli spíše více
než méně úspěšní a občas byli
velmi úspěšní. To se jim dařilo
proto, že dokonale ovládali různé
technologie, díky kterým přežívali.
Volnou energii úročili mnoha
způsoby: dálkovým transportem
předmětů, lovem velkých a/nebo
extrémně nebezpečných zvířat,
výrobou předmětů, jejichž účel
nedokážeme správně pochopit,
objevováním nových výrobních
postupů, experimentováním…
Dopad těchto technologií na
přírodní prostředí byl minimální,
ovšem význam pro naše životy
mají nedozírný: bez nich bychom
tady dnes nebyli.

Do you imagine Stone Age
hunters as halfnaked,
repulsive
savages who dragged heavy
cudgels, howling and grunting
strange sounds instead of
speech, as they are presented
in various films and books? Do
you think they were more animal
than human, uninterested in
anything other than fight and
food? Do you imagine mindless
primitives devouring each other,
who had nothing in common
with us?
The Palaeolithic hunters
certainly did not suffer blows of
fate – i.e. fluctuations of the
climate, changes in the
composition and quantity of
animals or plants, demographic,
ecological or social pressures –
phlegmatically. Archaeological
finds bear evidence that they
were rather more than less
successful all the time, and were
very successful from time to
time. They thrived as they
adapted their subsistence
strategies to such changes on
one hand, and on the other they
mastered various technologies
that facilitated their survival.
Their free time was expended in
many ways: the longdistance
transport of objects, hunting big
and/or extremely dangerous
animals, manufacturing objects
the purpose of which we cannot
grasp, discovering new
production procedures,
experimentation, etc.
The impact of these
technologies on the environment
was minimal, but the bearing on
our lives is immense: without
them we would not exist today.

Studie Centra kulturní antropologie 3, 2017. MZM Brno., 2017

M. Lička (ed.): Osídlení ze starší etapy vývoje kultury s vypíchanou keramikou ve Mšeně. Fontes A... more M. Lička (ed.): Osídlení ze starší etapy vývoje kultury s vypíchanou keramikou ve Mšeně. Fontes Archaeologici Pragenses 43, pp. 25-39. NM Praha.

Lovci posledních mamutů na Moravě V uplynulých letech byly v brněnské Vídeňské ulici zkoumány poz... more Lovci posledních mamutů na Moravě
V uplynulých letech byly v brněnské Vídeňské ulici zkoumány pozůstatky osídlení lidmi ze závěru doby kamenné (období tzv. posledního glaciálního maxima). Protože globálně šlo o extrémně chladnou a nepříznivou
epochu, předpokládalo se, že lidé přesídlili do oblastí s o něco příznivějšími klimatickými podmínkami a nejen Morava, ale i další
oblasti Evropy byly v té době opuštěné. Archeologické nálezy objevené v Brně však zcela mění naše dosavadní představy.
Nedaleko řeky Svratky, na území chráněném úpatím Červeného kopce, se před 15.–18. tisíci lety rozkládalo rozsáhlé sídliště lovců, kteří lovili takřka výlučně mamuty, tedy druh, o němž zoologové a archeologové předpokládali, že vyhynul nebo se definitivně přesunul na sever Evropy již několik tisíciletí před uvedenou dobou. Připravovaná kniha
si klade za cíl sledovat osídlení Moravy
s ohledem na nová archeologická zjištění,
jež zásadním způsobem přetvářejí náš pohled na dané prehistorické období. Budeme pátrat po dalších dokladech a stopách osídlení
se záměrem zjistit, co se stalo s lovci a kdy
u nás skutečně zmizeli poslední svědci doby ledové – mamuti. / The last mammoth hunters in Moravia In recent years, remains of settlements dating back to the end of the Stone Age (the period of the Last Glacial Maximum) have been excavated in Vídeňská Street, Brno. As that period was globally extremely cold and unfavourable, it was presumed that people had moved to regions with friendlier climatic conditions and that Moravia, as well as other parts of Europe, was deserted at that time. However, archaeological finds from Brno have completely changed our current ideas. Near the Svratka river, on the territory protected by the foot of the Red Hill, there was an extensive settlement of hunters 15,000–18,000 years ago; they hunted exclusively mammoths, i.e. a species that zoologists and archaeologists considered to be extinct or to have definitely moved to the north of Europe several millenniums before the period in question. The prepared book describes the settlement of Moravia according to new archaeological discoveries that transform considerably our concept of that prehistoric period. We will look for further settlement evidence and vestiges and try to discover what happened to the hunters and when the last witnesses of the Ice Age – the mammoths – really disappeared.

V rámci mezinárodní výstavy "Svět tajemných Baltů" byla připravena zcela samostatná expozice s ná... more V rámci mezinárodní výstavy "Svět tajemných Baltů" byla připravena zcela samostatná expozice s názvem Pobaltí před Balty.
Téma expozice napovídá sám název, přesto je nutné zdůraznit, že výstava o historii baltských zemí a jejich vztahu k Čechám a Moravě by nebyla úplná, kdyby nezahrnovala pohled na nejstarší osídlení oblasti. Pobaltí před Balty chce poprvé v historii českému zájemci představit počátky osídlování a vývoj v oblasti budoucích států Litvy, Lotyšska a Estonska, které je archeologickými výzkumy doloženo od závěru starší doby kamenné před zhruba 10,000 tisíci lety. Rozvoj kultur je na výstavě sledován do doby bronzové, tedy přibližně k období 500 př. n. l. Vymezený časový úsek je ve výstavě prezentován originály významných archeologických nálezů, jako je například unikátní kostěné rybářské vybavení, dřevěné rukojeti, jantarové šperky či prestižní bronzové zbraně, zapůjčenými institucemi z Litvy a Lotyšska. Exponáty jsou doplněny vybranými nálezy z českého a moravského prostředí, které současně dokumentují kontakty mezi našim územím a Pobaltím již v dobách pravěku. Bohaté archeologické nálezy jsou výmluvným dokladem rozvoje života tehdejších obyvatel Pobaltí. Přes geografickou vzdálenost lze vlivy specifického kulturního i sociálního vývoje regionu nalézt v archeologických nálezech i na území Moravy a Čech.

V úvodu výstavy je věnována malá vzpomínka doc. PhDr. Karlu Valochovi DrSc., významnému pracovníkovi Ústavu Anthropos MZM, který stál u zrodu celého výstavního projektu.

Kurátorem výstavy je Zdeňka Nerudová.
K výstavě byl vydán stejnojmenný, rozsáhlý česko-anglický katalog.

In the order of the exhibition "The World of the Mysterious Balts" has been prepared the separate exhibition project "The Baltics before the Balts." The theme of the exhibition is given in the title but it is still necessary to emphasize that an exhibition on the history of the Baltics and their relations to the Bohemia and Moravia would not be complete if it had not included the oldest occupation of the region. The exhibition „The Baltics before the Balts“ wants to present to the Czech public, for the very first time, the beginnings of the settlement and the development of the future states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia that are documented through archaeological finds since the Old Stone Age, approximately 10 000 years ago. The exhibition depicts the evolution of particular cultures until the Bronze Age, i.e. approximately until 500 years BP. The delimited period is presented through original archaeological items, e.g. unique fishing equipment made of bone, wooden handles, amber jewels or prestigious bronze weapons lent by Lithuanian and Latvian museums. The exhibits are complemented with selected finds from the Bohemian and Moravian milieu documenting contacts between our territory and the Baltics as soon as in the prehistoric period. Rich archaeological finds are meaningful proofs of the life level of the then inhabitants of the Baltics. In spite of the geographic distance the influence of the specific cultural and social development of the region can be observed even on the territory of Moravia and Bohemia.

In the introductory part of the exhibition, doc. PhDr. Karel Valoch DrSc., an eminent staff member of the Anthropos Institute / Moravian Museum is commemorated who was the spiritual father of the whole exhibition project.

The curator of the exhibition is Zdeňka Nerudová.
Accompanied the exhibition the large Czech-English catalogue.

Výstava připomíná 140 let od narození nejznámějšího badatele meziválečného období Karla Absolona ... more Výstava připomíná 140 let od narození nejznámějšího badatele meziválečného období Karla Absolona a 120 let od úmrtí zakladatele moravské archeologie Jindřicha Wankla.
Karel Absolon – Manažer a strůjce velkých vizí
Výstava k dvojitému výročí moravské archeologie

V letošním roce si připomínáme výročí dvou významných osobností, které stály u zrodu české moderní vědy – archeologie, speleologie a antropologie. Před 140 lety se narodil Karel Absolon (16. 6. 1877 – 6. 10. 1960), nejvýznamnější představitel Československé meziválečné archeologie a speleologie, objevitel Věstonické venuše a dobyvatel podzemí Moravského a Dinárského krasu. Před 120 lety také zemřel Absolonův děd Jindřich Wankel (15. 7. 1821 – 5. 4. 1897), objevitel svatyně ze starší doby železné v Býčí skále u Adamova, označovaný za „otce moravské archeologie“.
Moravské zemské muzeum spravuje bohaté pozůstalosti obou badatelů. Výstava, která rozšiřuje stálou expozici Památníku Karla Absolona v Dietrichsteinském paláci, je připravena z bohatých archivních a sbírkových materiálů, které dosud nebyly takto prezentovány. Vystavené předměty představují oba vědce mnohem více jako pozoruhodné lidské osobnosti, než mezinárodně uznávané odborníky.
Návštěvníci uvidí „dotýkané“ osobní předměty a dokumenty, jako například vysvědčení z olomouckého gymnázia budoucího univerzitního profesora geografie Karla Absolona pouze s dostatečným prospěchem nejen ze zeměpisu, doklady univerzitního studia, osobní doklady z období první republiky i protektorátu. Absolon je zde prezentován také jako zakladatel české vědecké fotografie. Charizma významného objevitele přiblíží osobní cestovní deníky či diář přeplněný adresami všech významných evropských kolegů.
Vůbec poprvé jsou vystaveny akvarely lékaře blanenských železáren Jindřicha Wankla, zachycující krajinu a osídlení Moravského krasu v polovině 19. století (v kresbě ho školil mj. přítel Josef Mánes). K vidění je unikátní milostný osobní Wanklův deník, tzv. Ephemeriden, který si psal, dnes těžko přeložitelným kurentem v letech 1843 – 1847 coby mladý medik, a který Moravské zemské muzeum v letošním roce připravuje k publikaci. Ručně psané lékařské recepty, mosazný mikroskop či nevydané rukopisy poukazují na oblíbeného lékaře a vědce. Zajímavostí je i originál udělení čestného občanství Blanska Jindřichu Wanklovi z roku 1886.
Velmi pozoruhodnou část výstavy představuje soubor archeologických nálezů ze zemí západní Evropy, pocházející ze soukromých akvizicí, které Absolon nakupoval v průběhu 20. let 20. století jako srovnávací sbírky. Tato rozsáhlá kolekce je nejen v našich zemích naprosto ojedinělá (upozornit můžeme např. na 5 000 let staré kamenné sekery ze švýcarských nákolních osad vsazené do parohových topůrek), ale je také svědectvím o mimořádných manažerských schopnostech K. Absolona, který tyto nákupy realizoval nejen navzdory běžným úředním postupům, ale i zákazům svých nadřízených.

Kurátoři výstavy:
Mgr. Petr Kostrhun, Ph.D. a Mgr. Zdeňka Nerudová, Ph.D., Centrum kulturní antropologie MZM

Mezinárodní výstavní projekt si za hlavní cíl stanovil veřejnosti přiblížit u nás málo známou kul... more Mezinárodní výstavní projekt si za hlavní cíl stanovil veřejnosti přiblížit u nás málo známou kulturu a historii geografického prostoru Pobaltí (Litva, Lotyšsko, Estonsko, SV Polsko) s akcentem na historické vazby českých zemí k této části Evropy. Tematicky je projekt rozdělen do dvou základních celků – samostatných výstav. První, nazvaná „Pobaltí před Balty“ se věnuje prehistorickému období od prvních stop po lidském osídlení Pobaltí až po dobu bronzovou. Druhá část „od sv. Vojtěcha po Jagellonce“ se zaměřila na dějiny baltského prostoru od 5. do 16. století. Na přípravě výstavy se podílelo dohromady 35 muzejních, galerijních a vědeckých institucí, z toho 10 zahraničních. Na výstavě je shromážděno více jak 2000 originálních exponátů, z nichž většina nebyla nikdy v České republice vystavena. K výstavě je připravena bohatá publikace rozšiřující téma výstavy příspěvky předních zahraničních a našich archeologů a historiků.

The main objective of the international exhibition project is to make the public acquainted with the still little known culture and history of the geographic area of the Baltics (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, north-western Poland) with the emphasis placed on historical connections of the Czech Lands to this part of Europe. Thematically the project is divided into two parts – two separate exhibitions. The first one entitled „The Baltics before the Balts“ deals with the prehistoric period from the first vestiges of human settlements in the Baltics to the Bronze Age. The other part entitled „From St. Adalbert to the Jagellonians“ focusses on the history of the Baltics in the 5th – 16th centuries. Thirty five museums, galleries and scientific institutes including 10 foreign institutions took part in the preparation of the exhibition. The display shows more than 2000 original items the majority of which had never been presented before in the Czech Republic. An extensive publication accompanies the project; it broadens the exhibition topic with articles by eminent foreign and Czech archaeologists and historians.

Kateřinská Cave (Moravian Karst) rescue palaeontological excavation in novembre 2010; with collab... more Kateřinská Cave (Moravian Karst) rescue palaeontological excavation in novembre 2010; with collaboration of M. Roblíčková. Only a fragments of animal bones, usually cave bears were found during the restoration of the part of Kateřinská cave. Unpublished, without photos.

Orlí Street (Brno): uniq find of fragments of mammoth tusks, decembre 2010 V hloubce kolem 5 metr... more Orlí Street (Brno): uniq find of fragments of mammoth tusks, decembre 2010 V hloubce kolem 5 metrů od současného terénu byly na bázi písčitých sedimentů nalezeny dva relikty mamutích klů. Větší z nálezů byl dochován v délce téměř 1 metr. Vzhledem k podmínkám uložení a stáří se jednalo o nález velice křehký a nepovedl se tak vyzvednout v celém kusu. Ve spolupráci s Mgr. Alešem Bajerem PhD. z Ústavu geologie a pedologie Mendelovy univerzity v Brně byl zdokumentován celý geologický profil a geologické okolnosti nálezu. V okolí nálezu nebyly zjištěny žádné stopy po lidských aktivitách a prozatím ani další podobné situace. Photo Archaia Brno:

Rescue excavation (2009-2014) of Magdalenian? (Štýřice IIIa, in 2009) and Epigravettian (Štýřice ... more Rescue excavation (2009-2014) of Magdalenian? (Štýřice IIIa, in 2009) and Epigravettian (Štýřice III, between 2009-2014) open-air sites in Brno, first excavated by K. Valoch 1972 (Valoch 1975). During the excavation in 2009 a new Palaeolithic site was identified and described as Brno-Štýřice IIIa. It differs in raw material distribution and lithic technology from the previously excavated site Brno-Štýřice III, attributed to the Magdalenian period. Both sites are characterised by large numbers of stone artifacts, faunal fragments and charcoals. In the lithic industry, flakes (often from core preparation) prevail. The retouched tools are not numerous and burins are the most common tool type. The chronological position of both sites will be established after detailed analyses of lithics and 14 C dating. For more details see published articles.