Klaipėdos universitetas

In the article, separate stages of the evolution of the cupboard («mysnyk») in the Polissia dwelling are considered. It was established that at first its functions were performed by a system structurally connected with a log-house «hriad» (decks or beams), which were gradually transformed into «hriady»-shelfs. The shelves placed on the threshold and facial walls were one of the oldest, and the initial stage of the genesis of «myshynyk», which later took their place, is connected with them. At Polissia two types of «myshynyk» has been developed: stationary – structurally associated with a log-house or «lava» (older), and mobile, mostly hinged (of a new origin).

The site of Celmi in the parish of Užava is the first archaeological site in Latvia where a Kunda culture dwelling has been identified. The site is dated to the Middle Mesolithic (6450–6260 cal. BC), and is a site where tools were made from locally available, poor-quality flint. An analysis of the dwelling depression, and the two hearths and stake-holes associated with it, suggests that a temporary shelter was erected here during the Mesolithic. Two flint-knapping areas, as well as other activity areas, can be identified in and near the dwelling-pit. The conclusions presented in this paper are largely hypothetical, and alternative interpretations are possible.