Archeology

The western part of Backa has been populated since prehistoric times to the present day. Archaeological excavations revealed numerous prehistoric sites, early and late medieval villages, and many cemeteries. The best known archaelogical digs are near Odzaci, Srpski Miletic, Karavukovo, Bogojevo and Deronje.

Branjevina excavation site, situated between Deronje and Danube and surrounded by dense oak forest, kept secrets of an ancient Neolithic culture for millennia. Favorable climate and natural conditions served as a home to the man of that period. Today many archaeological exhibits witness about his existence and life in this region. The statue of Red-haired Goddess stands out for its originality and size (38 cm tall) combining elements of both male and female fertility. Important findings also include a goat-shaped altar, monochrome red-colored pottery, pottery fragments with white-painted drop-like ornaments and hunting scenes, numerous fragments of miniature figurines, a large number of bone tools, the bone remains of animals and mollusks. Ancient potters produced a wide range of pots in a variety of styles and decorations which make up for the majority of excavated items, but fishing hooks and harpoons have also been found.

Most of the artifacts have been preserved by the archaeological department of the Museum of Odžaci.