The first archaeological excavations were conducted in 1978 by the Museum of Macedonia. There were three trial probes opened. The results showed that it was a Neolithic settlement, in three stages of life. The life here was continuously taking place in the period between year 6000 and 4300 bc. This settlement had its economic and cultural peak in the period of 5800-5200 year bc. The houses in the settlement were built in the traditional technique of piles stuck in the ground, often flanked with stones/mills. The house construction shows that big chopped beams were built in the walls, and their prints are still visible. The walls were decorated with fingers from the outside, in spirals that end as primitive volutes. The area of the house is 8x8m, with a square shape. The roof is on two layers, made of straw placed on a wooden construction. Another facility has been discovered in the north-east part of house 1. In accordance with the thesis that house 1 was a sanctuary, these facilities have been explained as sacrificial altars for cults, where food was treated.
For the first time in Macedonia, painted amphorae have been discovered; according to their shape, texture, decorations with painted stylized floral ornaments found on one spot, they have been made by an excellent craftsman.
In this sanctuary-house 45 whole earthenware pots and many fragments have been discovered. In 2002, a new “tub” made of clay with nicely smoothened walls and floor was discovered in the southern part of D1 block, with salt crystals underneath.
What makes Tumba Madzari well known is the terracotta representation of the Great Mother (Mac.: Golema Majka), discovered for the first time. With its impressive dimensions of 0.39 m in height, a classical calm posture of emerging from the house and protecting her house and peace, this terracotta is exclusive. The figure of the Great Mother has become the symbol of the country and a replica of it tourists can take home as a souvenir. The original piece is about 5,000 years old.
Inside the house; the Great Mother hangs in the middle
An accidental find in Tumba is a ceramic representation of a head of a ram (bull)-bukranion with dimensions of 32x33x27 cm, dated to the early Neolithic. It indicated the cult of ram-bull. It was most probably applied on the facade of a house. Goat and centaur with recipients on his back are also interesting zoomorphic representations.
The Great Mother
The analysis of the animal and bird bones from Madžari indicates that the Neolithic man, as far as providing meat was concerned, was absolutely dependent on his herds, with very little hunting and fishing.
How to get there: The Neolithic Settlement Tumba lies next to Children SOS Village. You can get there by bus (45), car or bike. Drive toward the settlement Chento (previous name - Singelic), on Metodija Andonov – Chemto Street. On the first trafic lights (after Makoil Petrol Station on the right side) turn right, then take the second street on left. On the R1 you can park your car.
Basic info
The entrance is free of charge. However, you can make a donation of your choice (50 denars per person, maybe?)
The cache is a white plastic container.
Sources: Wikipedia, other internet sources. Photos: Internet and original (by Galejnik)