Szkielet konia w obiekcie kultury trzcinieckiej na stanowiska 17 w Smrokowie, gm. Słomniki

During rescue excavations on the multi-cultural site no 17 in Smrokow (Krakow region) a pit no 13 was found, dating back to the times of the Trzciniec culture. At its bottom a well preserved skeleton of a horse in anatomical position was discovered, which made it a unique find. A larger number of the TC ceramics in the central part of the fill-in correlates with accumulations of animal bones and lime stones. The above mentioned vase found in an uncertain stratygraphic context represents index form for the early period of the classical TC phase in the Krakow region. They are most characteristic for the post-classical phase of the Trzciniec culture (phase C of the Bronze epoch). The TC finds of similar character are concentrated in Lesser Poland, particularly in the Krakow region. Single finds have also been discovered in Ukraine. Among animal bones horse remains are most frequently encountered. Considering small percentage of horse bones in sedimentary remains, it could indicate a special role of this animal in rituals of the TC communities.