Daily life objects of bone and antler in the towns of Medieval Moldavia. Case study: Old Orhei (Republic of Moldova)

The present paper comprises research results regarding the usage of bone and antler artefacts by the inhabitants of Medieval Moldavia, taking as a case study an assemblage discovered in the medieval site of Old Orhei (Republic of Moldova). Numerous artefacts in different stages of manufacturing were identified, as well as artefacts with different wear levels. Our study emphasizes an important diversity in the typology of artefacts and in the anatomical and taxonomical selection of raw materials. The current paper seeks to continue the analysis of these types of objects that began a decade ago, when a part of bone and antler artefacts recovered from the archaeological excavations conducted in Old Orhei during the years 1947-2001 was investigated. The rich collection of bone and antler objects gained in the last six decades, illustrating the different segments of daily life, represents a valuable testimony of the urban material civilization during this historical period.