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The article describes a cultural and chronological analysis of artifacts from the late La Tène period, which were discovered in the Prosna and Warta rivers in Poland. Imported items such as brooches, painted ceramics, mirrors, and knot rings were found, while coins and blacksmithing products were locally produced. Gold coins were also found in the Janków II settlement, indicating the presence of a mint. In addition, rich graves of blacksmiths and armed individuals were discovered, indicating a flourishing power center of the Celtic Rix. The findings suggest that the area between the Prosna and Warta rivers was controlled by a Celtic faction within the Przeworsk culture at the end of the La Tène period. [Extracted from the article]

The paper examines the use of the term "shamanism" in archaeology and develops criteria for identifying shamanism in archaeological contexts. The focus is on the site of Göbekli Tepe, which offers rich iconographic finds and serves as a case study. It discusses whether Göbekli Tepe can be interpreted as shamanistic and whether it is a place of institutionalized religion. The description describes a shamanic healing ceremony among the Evenki. The shaman makes contact with the spirit world during an altered state of consciousness and is accompanied by helping spirits. Shamanism is seen as a practice that encompasses various tasks such as healing, divination, and the preservation of myths and traditions. Shamanism can be found in various cultures and social contexts and is based on animistic ontologies that emphasize a close relationship between humans and animals. The boundaries between humans and animals can be crossed, but this also carries dangers. Animistic ontologies determine the conception and representation of the world and can be recognizable in archaeological finds. The text describes the relief images and anthropomorphic sculptures at the early Neolithic site of Göbekli Tepe in Turkey. The relief images depict various animals such as snakes, birds, bears, and leopards, with the movements of the animals often aligned with the center of the buildings. The sculptures are more naturalistic and use stylization techniques, especially in the depiction of faces. The faces have a T-shaped forehead and nose and show different expressions through the depiction of eyes and mouth. The bodies of the sculptures follow certain principles of representation, such as unnaturally curved arms and oversized hands. Other anthropomorphic sculptures from Göbekli Tepe show similar features to the Urfa figure, such as leaning back of the head and looking upwards. There are also zoomorphic sculptures, of which 102 are currently known. The animal representations at Göbekli Tepe are mainly limited to felids (probably leopards: 30), wild boars (21), and birds (12). Other animals such as bears (4), turtles (3), aurochs (2), and rams (1) are less common. Larger sculptures are usually identifiable to the species, while smaller representations (10 cm and below) are often generic "quadrupeds." The animal representations exhibit certain features such as detailed heads of felids and wild boars with emphasized teeth and tusks. The bodies often have few details, while the ribs are strongly emphasized in some animals. The study deals with shamanism at the early Neolithic site of Göbekli Tepe in Turkey. Various depictions of shamans and shamanic practices are analyzed, including the use of masks, garments, and staffs. It is noted that shamanism played an important role in the early Neolithic period of Göbekli Tepe. The study examines various artifacts that indicate a connection to shamanism at the early Neolithic Göbekli Tepe. "Nemrik scepters" are mentioned, which may have been shamanic staffs. There are also indications of musical instruments such as bullroarers and flutes that had a ritual function. In addition, sculptures are discussed that may represent spiritual beings, as well as amulets, jewelry, and other objects associated with shamanic practices. [Extracted from the article]

The study examines changes in cattle farming between the Iron Age and the Roman period in the Netherlands. There are regional differences in the frequency, management, size, and shape of cattle. The western and northern regions had higher proportions of cattle, while the southern region had the lowest proportions. The size of cattle did not significantly increase until the Roman period, and only in the regions that were part of the Roman Empire. There are also differences in gender ratios and the size of cattle in different regions and time periods. The size of cattle generally increases during the early and middle Roman period. There are also regional differences, with the southern region having the largest cattle, possibly due to intensive agriculture. The use of cow's milk was limited and decreased during the Roman period. Overall, the study shows that Roman occupation had an influence on cattle farming, particularly on the size of the animals and their use as meat suppliers and draft animals. [Extracted from the article]