EARLY TRYPILLIAN SANCTUARY AT SABATYNIVKA II. PROBLEM OF INTERPRETATION OF TRYPILLIAN BUILDING REMAINS

The remains of three burnt mud houses and one depression were investigated at Trypillia A site Sabatynivka II. Particular interest in this explorations was attracted by findings related to the sacred practice, namely by famous M. L. Makarevych’s reconstruction of the dwelling 3 as a sanctuary. During the last 50 years, the graphic reconstruction of this object was used many times by different authors without a slightest attempt of its verification. The article analyzes the data for the reconstruction of the sanctuary at the early settlement of Sabitatynivka II in the Kirovohrad region. The analysis of field documentation and the description of the excavation of dwelling 3 in Sabatynivka II from all available sources reveals some inconsistencies in the real object and details reconstructed by various researchers. The fact that the object is partially destroyed by the late trench makes it difficult to reconstruct and interpret it. Turning to the possible reconstruction of this building, the obvious traces of the ritual fire in which the building died should be noted. The obtained data suggest that the dwelling 3 was a rectangular adobe two-storey building. Most of the items found during excavations, including numerous figurines, are connected to the second floor. The ritual character of the fire is indicated by the inventory placed in the house before burning. However, there are no grounds for the reconstruction of the furnace, the elevation-altar and clay chair, as well as the «ritual of baking bread» in this house.