Sarnate

a Neolithic peat-bog habitation site dating from the third millennium B.C. to the first half of the second millennium B.C.; located in Ventspils Raion, Latvian SSR. It was investigated by E. Ŝturms from 1938 to 1940 and by L. Vankina in 1949 and from 1953 to 1959. Excavations uncovered the remains of 25 dwellings, including five lightweight rectangular structures. The structures had gable roofs and walls made of stakes dug into the ground; water-chestnut shells were found scattered around the hearths. Also found at Sāmate were wooden oars, boats, spears, boomerangs, skis, nutcrackers, hoes, ladles with handles shaped like the head of a bird or other animal, creels made of wood slivers, the remains of fishing nets, and clay pots. A sanctuary with a wooden idol and a workshop for making amber objects were also uncovered. The inhabitants were fishermen, hunters, and gatherers. The Sāmate peat bog also contained the remains of pottery with pit impressions and impressions made with combs; the remains date from the second half of the third millennium B.C.