A group of researchers from the Institute of Archaeology in Zagreb has revealed fascinating evidence about how children played during the Late Bronze Age (14th to 9th centuries BCE) in the southern Carpathian Basin. According to a recently published study, the ceramic toys and other objects found in settlements and graves in Croatia, Slovenia, and Serbia offer a unique glimpse into the lives of the youngest members of prehistoric communities.

Play has always been an essential part of childhood, but discovering how it manifested in such distant times has been a challenge for archaeologists. Since most ancient toys were made of perishable materials such as wood or textiles, only those made from ceramic have survived the passage of time.

These vestiges, studied by a team led by Daria Ložnjak Dizdar, have allowed for the reconstruction of fragments of the playful world of Late Bronze Age children.

Children toys Bronze age
Bronze Age marbles found in Dolina, in the southern Carpathian Basin. Credit: H. Jambrek / M. Rončević

Among the most notable findings are the ceramic spheres, interpreted as prehistoric marbles. These pieces were discovered both in graves and in settlements, such as those in Dolina and Ilok, Croatia. According to the researchers, these marbles, hand-shaped and baked in communal ovens, could have been used both in games and in learning activities.

Another fascinating discovery is that of small sound figures, similar to whistles or spinning tops, found in domestic contexts. These toys, made of ceramic, required manual skill for their creation and manipulation, showcasing the skill and creativity of the children and adults who made them.

The study highlights that toys not only served to entertain but also had an educational and cultural purpose. The researchers suggest that these objects helped children develop necessary skills for adult life, such as tool handling and socialization within their community.

Children toys Bronze age
On the left, model of a ceramic spinning top found at Ilok. On the right, animal figurines, also found at Ilok. Credit: H. Jambrek / M. Golubić

For example, the small sound figures might have introduced children to the rituals and traditions of their environment. In prehistoric society, where sound played a key role in ceremonies, these toys would have served to connect children with the cultural practices of their group.

The objects analyzed in this study have been found in various contexts, ranging from the remains of houses in settlements to children’s graves. The latter often contained miniatures of household utensils, such as plates and containers, which were probably toys used by children to imitate adult activities.

The study also raises questions about how archaeologists distinguish between toys and ritual objects, as many artifacts can have multiple interpretations. This emphasizes the importance of continuing research from an interdisciplinary perspective, combining archaeology with anthropology and cultural studies.


SOURCES

Daria Ložnjak Dizdar, Snježana Vrdoljak, Ivan Drnić, Traces of children’s play during the Late Bronze Age in the southern Carpathian Basin. Contributions of Institute of Archaeology in Zagreb, Vol. 41 No. 2, 2024. doi.org/10.33254/piaz.41.2.2


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