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In Macedonia and in Skopje there are not many archaeological sites, the importance
and location of which have made them accessible to the public. The prehistoric settlement
Tumba Madzari in the Municipality of Gazi Baba in Skopje is an archaeological
site that has preserved evidence of material and spiritual culture showing high artistic
and aesthetic values. The importance of the site has been confirmed within the scholarly
circles and it has potentials to be made available to the public for more than one
objective, that is, for scientific, educational and tourism purposes.
 The project “Reconstruction of the Neolithic settlement at the site of Tumba Madzari”
envisaged construction of several structures for educational and tourism purposes at
the west part of the site, where no traces of archaeological evidence have been confirmed.
The accomplishing of the project was preceded by preparation works in the
field and building of the road infrastructure to the site. In 2008 and 2009 the Ministry
of Culture, the Municipality of Gazi Baba and the Cultural Heritage Protection Office
generously supported and financed this initiative.
 In this period four houses were built showing the spirit of the Neolithic construction
tradition. In three of them attempts have been made for reconstruction of some
aspects in the life of the Neolithic man through replicas of varied household utilities
and human figures. The beehives and the sheepfold with several models of domestic
animals from the time of the Neolithic complement the picture of the daily life of our
ancestors. The primary goal of the fourth house is of educational nature, although it
can also be used for organizing various public manifestations in the domain of culture
life. The appearance of this structure is fully incorporated in the ambient of the Neolithic
village. Construction of a souvenir shop is in progress for the purpose of tourism
development and it is about to be finished in the next stage.
 Three relevant sources were used in the reconstruction of Neolithic houses at Tumba
Madzari. They include the archaeological evidence preserved in the field, the appearance
of clay altars – house models from the Neolithic belonging to the Anzabegovo-
Vrsnik and Velusina-Porodin cultural groups, as well as contemporary examples of
houses in villages, which still exist preserving the very old construction tradition of
practically several millennia.
The first archaeological excavations at the site were carried out in 1978. They yielded
a Neolithic settlement with three phases of occupation, which had the peak of its
economic welfare and cultural prosperity in the span of 5800-5200 BC.
In the excavations carried out from 1981 till 2008 eight houses were identified. The
public has so far been presented merely the first house, which is considered to have
been used as a shrine.
If you like to see a 360 degrees view of the Neolithic village (1) click here.
If you like to see a 360 degrees view of the Neolithic village (2) click here.
House 1
 The house was built in the traditional mode of construction typical for every agricultural
civilization. House walls are built of wooden pillars stuck in the ground and branches
intertwined in-between. They are coated with a thick layer of mud and straw. Pillars
are different in diameter, placed at irregular distances. The roof on two slopes is made
of wooden framing, covered with a layer of reed and straw. The interior of House 1
is separated with a thin uneven partition wall. In accordance with the archaeological
evidence, two furnaces and a hand-mill were built inside. A total number of forty-five
completely preserved pieces of pottery and numerous pottery shreds were discovered
in this house, which was actually the richest with archaeological finds. All this material
is exhibited in the permanent archaeological display in the Museum of Macedonia. It
includes amphorae, cups, pots and storage vessels - pithoi decorated in barbotine
technique, fruit-stands and bowls. The finds that that distinguish the Neolithic in the
Upper Vardar Region are ascoi – vessels for water showing  perfection in the simplicity
of their form. This type of pottery was discovered for the first time at Tumba Madzari.
By their magnificent shape and masterly production they are the most beautiful pieces
among all similar finds known from other sites.
What has made the site of Tumba Madzari and this house widely known is the discovery,
for the first time, of a clay depiction of the Great Mother. Its impressive size of 0,39
m. in height and the classic tranquil posture of the goddess emerging from the top of a
house, thus implying protection of its hearth and peace, make this terra-cotta figurine
exclusive. In the course of time it would become the major link inter-relating the spirit
of the Neolithic man in Macedonia.
If you like to see a 360 degrees view of the Neolithic house 1 click here.
House 2
 This house was built of the same materials as other houses. The entrance on the south
side shapes an M letter and there is a round opening above it. These details have
been designed following the analogies with clay alters of the type depicting the Great
Mother. Replicas of objects used by the Neolithic man in the daily life are arranged in
the house. There is also a reconstruction of a loom and a woman weaving on it.
If you like to see a 360 degrees view of the Neolithic house 2 click here.
House 3
 It was built of wood, branches and mud in the traditional mode of construction.
Inside it has a small mud-coated wooden platform as place for sleeping and keeping
food, which is known as cheren in the ethnology. A parapet wall was built at
this point, separating the south part of the house from the north one used for
cooking food. In the south part there is a sculpture of potter-women making clay
pottery, as well as a sculpture of child. A semi-calotte furnace is situated beside
the west wall. A replica of double ram-head is suspended above the door on the
north façade.
If you like to see a 360 degrees view of the Neolithic house 3 click here.
This noble idea for reconstruction of the Neolithic village at the site of Tumba has
more than one objective. It aims at revitalization of the site, as well as developing
within the general public the sense of appreciation and concern for the earliest
cultural achievements of our ancestors.
The Neolithic village is open for visits every day from:
Tuesday – Friday - 08:00 – 14:00 o'clock
Saturday - 10:30 - 17:30 o'clock
Sunday - 10:30 - 17:30 o'clock
Monday and Holidays are non working
There is no entery fee
Authors of the project: Dragisha Zdravkovski, PhD and Elena Stojanova Kanzurova
Consultant: Prof. Dragi Mitrevski, PhD
Photographs: Sasho Dimovski
Design: Gordana Georgievska
Translation: Nada Andonovska
Participants in the project from the Museum of Macedonia: Elizabeta Stolich, Ivancho Velkov, Zhivko Dafovski
Participants in the project - external colaborators: Ilcho Velkovski, Stojan Musajski, Blagoja Jordanov, Jane Velkovski, Oliver Velkov, Irina Jakimovska, Stefan Ilijevich, Doncho Naumovski
Participants in the project from the municipality of Gazi Baba: Emilija Kiprovska, Blagoj Kchev, Sasho Mitevski
We extend our gratitude to: Elizabeta Kancheska Mileska, Minister for Culture, and the colaborators Pasko Kuzman, Boris Josifovski, Snezhana Ristovska; Koce Trajanovski, Mayor of the municipality Gazi Baba; Pero Josifovski, Bore Nedelkovski, Suzana Andovska
to the Gallery of the Neolithic Village
to the Gallery of the opening of the Neolithic Village
to the Gallery with the visitors of the Neolithic Village
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