Stash of Ancient Jewelry, Full-Figured Statues Discovered

News
By published
Two views of a sickle moon carved from serpentinite found in the Belica hoard. (Image credit: Nebosja Boric, Belgrade)

A hoard of jewelry, figurines and other objects crafted by early farmers in Serbia nearly 8,000 years ago is set to go on public display for the first time at a German museum.

Archaeologists dug up the largely undisturbed stash of artifacts during excavations this summer at the site of a Neolithic settlement in Belica, Serbia, about 90 miles (140 kilometers) south of Belgrade.

Another serpentinite carving from the Belica hoard depicts a stylized woman. (Image credit: Nebosja Boric, Belgrade)

"This collection from Belica, in all its completeness, provides a unique glimpse into the symbols of the earliest farmers and herdsmen in Europe," said Raiko Krauss, an archaeologist from the University of Tübingen in Germany.

Krauss is collaborating with researchers from Serbian Archaeological Institute to examine the objects and detail their findings in German and Serbian publications.

Krauss expressed regret that the artifacts could not be displayed at the Serbian National Museum, which has been closed since the civil war. He is planning an exhibition at the University of Tübingen Museum in Hohentübingen Castle, set to open during the winter of 2013-2014.

Follow LiveScience on Twitter @livescience. We're also on Facebook & Google+.

Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.