(d) EAST PRUSSIA AND LIVLAND.
In the eastern districts of Prussia lake-dwelling remains have been discovered in the following places, which have been more or less investigated and described in various archæological publications, especially in the Altpreussiche Monatsschrift:—
Aryssee (Kr. Lötzen).—A. M., vol. iv. p. 667; xii. p. 89; xiv. p. 181. Zeit. für Ethn., vol. xix., Verhand., p. 491.
Czarnisee (Kr. Lötzen).— A. M., vol. xiv. p. 181; vol. xv. p. 481.
Kocksee (Kr. Rössel).—A. M., vol. xxii. p. 169; Zeit. für Ethn., vol. xvi., Verhand., p. 560.
Probchensee (Kr. Rössel).—A. M., vol. xxii. p. 169
Quertz (Kr. Heilsberg).—A. M., vol. xxii. p. 169.
Bonslack (Kr. Wehlau).—A. M., vol. xxii. p. 485.
Tulewosee (Kr. Lyck).—A. M., vol. v. p. 750.
Szontagsee (Kr. Lyck).—A. M., vol. xxiv. p. 488.
Kownatkensee (Kr. Niedenburg).—A. M., vol. xxiv. pp. 168 and 496.
Lonkorreckersee (Culmerlande).—A. M., vol. x. p. 579.
Geserichsee—Phy. Ok. Gesel., 1874, Verhand., p. 14.
Aryssee.—The existence of the débris of a remarkable lake-dwelling in the Aryssee became known in 1863, in consequence of the discontinuance of a mill which had its motive power supplied by the surplus water from this lake, and the subsequent deepening of its outlet, which had the effect of lowering its level about seven feet. Its remains have been investigated and described by various persons, notably Professor Heydeck, of Königsberg, who has made plans and models of its peculiar structure. These, as well as a large collection of relics, are now deposited in the Prussia Museum at Königsberg. It appears to have been a kind of Packwerk. There were, first of all, two or three layers of round timbers lying transversely to each other on the bottom of the lake in the form of rectangles, after which their sides only were continued upwards by single beams, laid successively on each side, thus leaving empty spaces above. These horizontal beams were kept in position by numerous uprights, which here and there flanked them on both sides, as well as by deep cuts towards their extremities where they overlapped each other, precisely similar to the plan adopted at Persanzig and elsewhere. This understructure had a thickness of three to four feet, and over it was laid a wooden platform, above which the huts of its inhabitants were constructed. Clay floorings were found over these platforms, with evidences here and there of fire-places. The relics were found both on the platform and in the originally empty spaces, which, of course, were now filled up with débris. Upon its first appearance there was a layer of from 1½ to 2 feet of mud over the woodwork, but after its exposure for some time the mud dried and became greatly contracted. The central area of this structure measured 72 by 36 feet, and was surrounded by three rows of piles. A bridge or gangway, also constructed on a triple row of piles, extended to the shore, a distance of about fifty yards.
At first, and for several years after its discovery, no metal objects were found, and hence it was supposed to belong exclusively to the Stone Age; but this is no longer the case, as latterly it has furnished both iron and bronze objects.
Among the relics are the following:—fragments of an iron socketed lance-head 4 inches long, a large bronze button 1¾ inch in diameter, and a portion of cast bronze. Wooden hooks, like those from Robenhausen, and perforated square bits, supposed to have been floats for nets. Fragments of pottery and some whole dishes, the largest being 18 inches high, showing nail and finger marks ([Fig. 99], No. 11), perforated rims (No. 10), and sometimes handles. A few flakes, arrow-points, and scrapers of flint (Nos. 8 and 9). Fragment of a perforated axe-hammer of diorite and some mealing stones. Six perforated horn axes, the largest 6½ inches long; pointers, pins, two needles, and various other objects of bone (Nos. 1 to 7). Arrow-points of bone are 3 to 4 inches long, and scrapers 1½ to 3½ inches. Portions of roofing thatch of rushes, clay flooring, etc.
Fig. 99.—Arys and Kownatken (12 to 14). No. 10 = 1⁄8, 11 = 1⁄4, and the rest = 1⁄2 real size.
Czarnisee and Tulewosee.—These two lakes are in the vicinity of the Aryssee, and each contained a lake-dwelling similar to that in the latter, both in structure and in the character of its relics. On the station in the Czarnisee were found a blue glass bead; a partially perforated stone axe, 3⅛ inches long, with the core still remaining; and two socketed iron lance-heads.
The Kownatken Pfahlbau was also a Packwerk formed of round and split stems. It extended along the margin of the lake for about seventy paces, and had a breadth of twelve at the east end, which became reduced to seven or eight at the west end. Some of the pottery from this station, of which fragments of twelve vessels were found, was ornamented with finger marks as well as string marks (Schnurornament). Among the relics are pointers of bone, one supposed to be a skate ([Fig. 99], No. 14); some round sling-stones; a well-formed stone hatchet (No. 12); worked flint flakes (No. 13); and sharpening stones. Among the bones were those of the stag, roe, pig, horse, ox, and portions of reindeer horn.
The lacustrine dwelling in the Kocksee was discovered on the lowering of the lake in the autumn of 1882. When its level had sunk 4½ feet, the structure appeared above the water. It was 34 yards long by 15 broad, and stretched lengthways along the shore, with which it was connected by a bridge. The woodwork appeared to have been cut by metal tools, although none of them have hitherto been discovered in the débris. The relics consisted of fragments of pottery and a few stone and bone objects.
In the neighbouring Probchensee a lake-dwelling, in all respects similar to that in the Kocksee, has recently come to light.
At Bonslack transverse beams were observed, tied to the uprights by means of birch thongs (Birkengeflecht). From this station, some pottery, perforated like a sieve, and a mallet of wood, are recorded.
In the Szontagsee there was also a lake-dwelling of the same class as those above described, the exact details of which have not yet been published. From it there are several interesting objects in the Prussia Museum at Königsberg, among which I have noted bone pointers and spatulæ, a well-formed needle of bone with the eye at one end, and a large bronze button with a raised eye.
As to the other localities in East Prussia where indications of lake-dwellings have been observed, the discoveries hitherto made on their sites are too indefinite to merit a detailed notice here, and I shall content myself with the references already given as to where such observations have been recorded.
Arraschsee (Livland).—In 1876 Count Sievers announced the discovery of a lake-dwelling in the Arraschsee, which was subsequently visited by the indefatigable Professor Virchow. This was a small circular island, covered with birch trees and bushes, which, on examination, turned out to have been an artificially-constructed island, like our own crannogs. Like them, also, it was surrounded by piles, and its interior was constructed of layers of wooden beams laid transversely over each other. Its structure was ascertained by digging two large square holes in different parts of the island, and in one nine layers of wood were counted, and in the other six. The chief relics collected were a bronze ring-pin, seven inches long; a bronze fibula (eine lettische Fibel); portion of a mould; a few clay beads; a pointed bone implement; bits of string and rolls of birch-bark; also fragments of grey and black pottery, with rude knobs and finger-marks, and without handles. From marks on the woodwork it was inferred that iron tools were used. The osseous remains belonged to the horse, ox, pig, and beaver. (B. 292.)