Elements of ornament on the ceramic ware of Zalischyky group of Trypillia culture

Clayware is the most common category of finds in Trypillian settlements. In addition, ceramic complex has specific features of morphological, technological and stylistic character. All this makes it an excellent material for exploring of different aspects of life of ancient societies. Ceramic complex responded most clearly to changes in environmental conditions, to the specifics of economic, social, cultural life of ancient collectives. At the same time, after reaching of a certain stage of development, ceramic obtained unchanged, stable forms. Therefore, significant changes in the ceramic industry required significant changes in the economic and social spheres. Instead, the ornamentation was characterized by rapid changes, triggered by various cultural and economic factors. We focus on the ornament because its changes in the ceramic collections of studied settlements were the most dynamic. Trypillian ornaments were examined from the appearance of the first finds in the end of XIX century and till now. During this period there were many methodological approaches to its study. Methods vary depending on what aspects are considered by researchers of the ornaments. For this purpose, classification systems were created, where those features that are important for the issue, which is being studied became the base. The work is dedicated to finding of patterns at painted ornament on the ceramic ware from the sites of Zalishchyky group of Trypillian culture, which allow to consider an ornament as a historical source. For this purpose, the database of painted ornament from material from sites of Zalishchyky group was established. Typical, used and rare elements of ornament are defined. Thus, the main features of Zalishchyky group's painting are outlined. A comparison of settlements of Zalishchyky group by elements of ornament is made.Key words: Trypillia, Zalishchyky group, ceramic ware, painted ornament.