New dates for the Late Neolithic Corded Ware Culture burials and early husbandry in the East Baltic region

Abstract

The appearance of the Corded Ware Culture in the eastern Baltic area has been associated with the beginning of animal husbandry in this region. The culture is quite well represented by artefacts around the Baltic Sea basin, whereas its animal bone material seems to have been partly mixed with either that of the Combed Ware Culture, whose economy was based on hunting, fishing and gathering, or with later material. Radiocarbon dates have placed the beginning of the Corded Ware Culture in the eastern Baltic region in the time interval 3000- 2700 cal BC. New dates from Estonia confirm that the phenomenon appeared here at that time. The beginning of animal husbandry in the East Baltic is discussed on the basis of the new dates and the animal bone finds from Corded Ware Culture settlement sites and burials. Important factors in the spreading of early farming in addition to climate, were geographical and environmental conditions.