The symbolism of breast-shaped beads from Dolní Věstonice I (Moravia, Czech Republic).

Abstract Eight breast-shaped beads were found variously scattered among differing layers of the Gravettian site, Dolní Věstonice I. Typologically, it is a set of morphologically similar beads of varying sizes made from mammoth ivory with holes for stringing them; one of the pieces was decorated with engraving. Various parts of human body were also found with the artefacts, in a manner typical for this site. The artefacts, however, have no analogies within the Gravettian. The main focus of this will paper will be the manufacturing technology, decoration and possible integration of these variously interpreted artefacts into the Gravettian symbolic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]