MANAGING RAW MATERIALS IN PREHISTORY: THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING OSSEOUS RAW MATERIALS

Sa？etak The analysis of raw material acquiring and managing is the first, and one of the most important steps in the techno- logical analysis. For prehistoric communities, particularly important were the raw materials of animal origin, which were used in almost all the cultures and all the periods for producing diverse everyday tools and decorative items. They were in most cases readily available and in large quantities, and also relatively easily transformed into usable everyday items. Although often regarded as ad hoc used kitchen de- bris, the choice of raw materials was in many prehistoric communities very careful and strict, directed by physical and mechanical properties of different raw materials, as well as by cultural preferences. Study of methods of acquisi- tion and exploitation is important for studies in economy, craft production, as well as social relations and relations of prehistoric communities with their environment