Weihwasser oder Brauchwasser? Einige Gedanken zur Funktion bandkeramischer Brunnen

Abstract

Wells dating to the Linear Pottery Culture with the good organic preservation  constitute an extraordinary category of finds. Recent discussion has mainly focussed on the question if these wells are ritual complexes or profane infrastructure. By giving an overview of the published finds and posing some ideas about their function, an attempt is made to get more insight about the role the wells play within the Early Neolithic settlements. A definite interpretation is not possible at the moment and there probably will never be just a single answer. In future investigations it will be more important to look at the details of construction, use and abandonment, which give insight into social organisation and the use of material culture during the Bandkeramik.