[Bonetools] Greek and/or Roman red deer canines

[cho13017 at iif.hu]

In Hungary there is no evidence of the use of perforated red deer canines after
the Late-final Neolithic. We certainly have never found such canines in any
context at Aquincum (capital of Pannonia Inferior/Valeria province). However,
there is evidence of the use of perforated canines used as amulets from the end
of the AD 4th-beginning of the 5th century among Hunnish populations in burials,
particularly of children. Subsequently deer canines have been found in Avar
burials and seem to be some sort of Steppic element, perhaps as some kind
amulet related to a totem animal? Today, red deer canines are a popular element
in hunting gear/ and jewelry related to hunting paraphenalia in Central europe,
particularly in Austria. I am not exactly sure where this custom comes from.

Alice Choyke





Idézés mcdermott at ucmo.edu:

> Dear Worked Bone Research Group Member:
>
> Please find attached a brief article I published in 2001 for the context of
> this request for assistance.
>
> Could you tell me or direct me to where I could learn if the widespread
> prehistoric practice of wearing the vestigial canines of Cervus elaphus or
> red deer (or their imitations) as perforated body ornaments continues into
> the Ancient History of the Greeks and Romans?  They are still collected and
> worn as jewelry today in Europe and North America, and I would like to know
> whether the practice has been continuous.
>
> Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.
>
> Cordially,
> Dr. LeRoy McDermott
> Professor of Art History
> University of Central Missouri
> Warrensburg, MO 64093
>
>
>