Figure of a small bird

In 1957, during the archaeological excavations in the Lusatian culture burial ground in Topornica (the Zamość poviat), a small clay zoomorphic figurine representing a bird was discovered (for more information about the archaeological site see: 441/A/ML and 445/A/ML).

The described monument is one of two clay figurines of a bird found in the cemetery (for more information about the other one see 440/A/ML). The figurine is made of a single lump of clay and is less than 3 cm high. The head and the tail and wings are marked schematically. It was found, like the other bird figurine, between 231 graves examined.

Finds of clay figurines representing animals are interpreted differently by scientists. It is not entirely clear whether they can be linked to rituals taking place at the cemetery or whether they were simply children's toys. Still today, potters make not only earthenware, but also decorative ceramics, including animal figurines.

On the cemetery surveyed by archaeologists, other artefacts were discovered, which can be treated as toys or associated with cult practices. These are two rattles (see 441/A/ML), a figurine of a horse with a rider (see 445/A/ML) and miniature pots. Perhaps further finds and further scientific research will help to definitively resolve the purpose of these artefacts.