SOCIAL STATUS AND PRESTIGE REFLECTED IN THE FUNERAL RITE AND RITUAL OF THE COMMUNITIES THAT INHABITED THE AREA BETWEEN THE PRUT AND THE DNIESTER IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 1ST MILLENNIUM BC
SOCIAL STATUS AND PRESTIGE REFLECTED IN THE FUNERAL RITE AND RITUAL OF THE COMMUNITIES THAT INHABITED THE AREA BETWEEN THE PRUT AND THE DNIESTER IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 1ST MILLENNIUM BC

Summary/Abstract: Archaeological investigations carried out on the burial mounds and ground burials provided relevant materials, the study of which contributes substantially to the coverage of the processes of social stratification of communities in the discussed space in the 6th-3rd centuries BC. The burials at Dolineni represent a sepulchral pit surrounded by a rectangular cromlech of stone slabs. The grave chamber was built using a wooden framework. Human remains and calcified bones mixed with pieces of charred wood, a disturbed skeleton of a horse and other animal bones were found inside the grave chamber.The burial of the 4th-3rd centuries BC at Cosăuţi was made in a pit with the walls protected by a layer of stone blocks with clay binder. Inside it there were two rectangular wooden constructions placed one inside the other. The remains of a disturbed human skeleton, three skeletons of horses and one of a dog were found there. Among the bones of the horses, there were iron plates of a chain mail, bronze arrowheads, and a round silver plate. Inside the construction there were the remains of a wooden structure built in the shape of a log cabin where the remains of a human skeleton, 10 iron plates of a chain mail, and two bronze arrowheads were found.The analysis of funerary complexes illustrates the complexity of the social structure of the respective communities. Some reflect the symbolism of the prominent status of the deceased and are intended for the leaders of residential centers. Others may suggest the belonging of the deceased to a category of priests, military.

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