Findings of Ritual Spoons of the Early Middle Ages in the Oka-Sviyaga Interfluve

The article discusses medieval ritual spoons found on the territory between the Oka and Sviyaga rivers, so far quite poorly studied. These fi nds, especially in the context of funerary complexes, supplement our knowledge of the pagan cults practiced by the Finno-Ugric population of the Middle Volga region in late I millennium ? early II millennium. It was noticed that female burials with metal spoons contain rich grave goods and exhibit exclusive funerary rite, which distinguishes them among other synchronous graves in burial grounds. Moreover, it is not accidental that spoons were found in female burials, whose social role could consist in practicing some sacred cults. Head of moose is used in zoomorphic design of spoons, suggesting special veneration of this animal among the Volga Finns.