Къснонеолитни затворени керамични модели на сгради от Мурсалево – м. Герена в долината на Струма (Югозападна България)

The Late Neolithic closed ceramic house models from Mursalevo, Gerena locality, present elongated structures with a gabled roof. As they are not fully preserved, their length cannot be determined. Judging by the preserved dimensions, the width-to-length ratio at the base is no less than 1:1.5/2. Their height is smaller than or approximately equal to the width of the base. The interior space is designed as a circular opening made high above the base, which runs almost the entire length but does not reach the rear short wall. One of the examples, with a gabled roof extending down to the base, has a triangular cross-section. The specifics in the shaping of the artefacts depend not only on the skills of their makers but may also represent different architectural types of buildings. The limited internal space of the three models suggests that they were not intended for storage or the placement of food or other substances. Another group of Late Neolithic artefacts, namely the quadrangular cult tables with a closed body and a cylindrical neck (type 2.2.2. as per V. Vandova’s typology), could also be considered as house models. They have been interpreted as cult tables, house models or vessels, as they display features corresponding to each of these categories. The specimens discovered in Mursalevo, Gerena locality, have quardrangular prismatic bodies. Their upper surface slopes from the centre, where the cylindrical neck was modeled, toward the walls. Some Late Neolithic artefacts from Zelenikovo II, similar in shape and ornamentation to those from Mursalevo, have been also interpreted as house models. The presence of legs, as well as the specific ornamentation of the specimens from Mursalevo, may indicate the elevated or special status of the buildings they represent.