Neolithic Settlement and Public: The case of Donja Branjevina by Odžaci

Abstract

Donja Branjevina has been known to the professional public from the mid 1960s, as an archaeological site dated in to the Early Neolithic period. In the decades after its discovery, extensive research into the site has been conducted, as well as may activities concerning its preservation and presentation, making this one of the most famous and important praehistoric sites in Serbia. The paper presents the context and circumstances of the development of praehistoric archaeology in Serbia leading in our opinion to professional recognition of Donja Branjevina and in particular the anthropomorphic figurine known as Red-Haired Goddess, and the subsequent public interest for the site. Our aim is: 1) to point that the importance of Donja Branjevina and the Red-Haired Goddess was initiated and shaped even before the actual discovery, through the previous process of disciplinary development, where the specific traits of the site and the finds were an unexpected, but welcome discovery; 2) to remind that the usage of the archaeological knowledge in the modern society, although outside the scope of disciplinary practice, is still primarily founded upon the discipline itself, i.e. upon the information presented to the public. Conclusively, instead of critical appraisal of the modern society and the unexpected results, we are more inclined to stress the importance of a thorough reconsideration of the discipline and the modes in which we collect, valorise and present the data.