“STAFFS WITH ELK HEADS” IN THE CULTURE OF THE ANCIENT POPULATION OF THE EASTERN URALS, NORTHERN AND EASTERN EUROPE

This study examines the so-called “staffs with elk heads” – carved Г-shaped objects with a top in the form of an elk head – and their representations in rock art from the Late Mesolithic to the Chalcolithic period. The morphology, geographical location, chronology, and archaeological context of these objects are analyzed. They were sacred objects, and mature and elderly men used them in rituals. In terms of semantics, these things were likely to have many meanings. They could be linked both to the idea of fertility and to the idea that maturity and old age could be correlated with the fall-winter season. “Staffs with elk heads” on petroglyphs are represented as magic objects embodying the symbolism of the Universe.