Pećine u Debeljacima kod Banjaluke
The Cave Mišarica in Debeljaci near Banja Luka

Summary/Abstract: In the village Debeljaci near Banja Luka, nearby hamlet Kostići, on the left bank of the Čelinski Potok (potok – eng. brook) underneath high and slope cliffs known as Bijele Stijene (eng. White cliffs) interesting cave archaeological site is situated – cave Mišarica. Experimental archaeological excavation in Mišarica showed that there were no cultural layer in the front hallway of the cave, but few findings from the new age period sporadically appear below the surface. The water flow as well as flood of the total surface throughout bigger part of the year conditioned uninhabited situation in the cave. Few findings gained by the archaeological excavation show us that the front hallway of the cave had been in use temporary or from time to time within mentioned period, undoubtedly during summer, the only time when the cave hadn’t been flooded. Unfavourable settling conditions as well as founds of bronze axes beside water spring located in the ending, hardly accessible and narrow part of the cave, set us a question – what were the purposes of Mišarica during late bronze age? The cave, with its size, complexness and beautiful interior definitely attracted people who lived in that area during late bronze age – water flow from the cave to Čelinski Potok is a wonderful and impressive sight – which, undoubtedly created religious standpoint to nature phenomenon connected to their spiritual life. Taking all into consideration the cave had been, even within short time period, used in special – cult purposes, while bronze axes represented votive gifts to gods of underworld and water. The cave Mišarica, probably, didn’t represent important cultural centre to wide area. In the first place, the cave had been the cult site to the population that inhabited area in the lower flow of the river Vrbanja, particularly the inhabitants of the hill fort Stražbenica.

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