Tetenkin A.V., Arzhannikov S.G., Arzhannikova A.V., Chebotarev A.A.

Model of the Late Quaternary deposits formation at the geoarchaeological ensemble of Kovrizhka and adaptation of ancient man to the hydrological regime of the Vitim River and the restructuring of the landscape

As a result of geomorphological research and the analysis of calibrated radiocarbon dates of the archaeological sites of Kovrizhka I–VI (Baikal-Patom Uplands), a model of formation of the Late Quaternary deposits of the Vitim valley within the area of the Kovrizhka ensemble has been developed. Based on this, and according to the archaeological data, the history of human habitation during the late Upper Paleolithic — Early Neolithic (19–6 ka BP) has been reconstructed for different levels of the valley depending on general landscape features, flood regime of the river, and the dynamics of the relief formation. This adaptation is manifested in the choice of locations for long-term and short-term settlements, and characteristics of exploitation of stone (mineral) and food resources. People settled along the shoreline throughout the entire timeline of the formation of the floodplain and the terrace, with seasonal flood threats being the limiting factor. High floods of the end of the Pleistocene — early Holocene, caused by intensive melting of glaciers, resulted in relocation of human settlements to the levels of modern 2nd and 3rd floodplains, and higher up the slope. An important point in the study was the idea of the last megaflood, which manifested itself with the discharge of the Muya (Vitim) glacier-dammed paleolake, whose existence on the geological timescale corresponds to the third and partially second marine isotope stages (MIS 3–2). In particular, the issues of the presence of traces (deposits and landscape) of such flood in the Vitim River valley at the Kovrizhka archaeological site and its possible impact on the settlements of ancient people have been raised. The OSL date (39.4 ± 4.1 ka BP) has been obtained for the gravel underlying the normal occurrence of unwashed culture-bearing deposits with settlement structures, hearths, and remains of dwellings. This indicates that the last megaflood could not have happened later than the earliest time of human settlement on Kovrizhka IV (level of the first terrace) about 19 thousand years ago. At the same time, flooding activity has been recorded at all stages, especially the increased role of floods at the turn of the Pleistocene — Early Holocene.

Keywords: Baikal-Patom Upland, archaeological sites of Kovrizhka I–IV, geomorphology, megafloods, riverbed processes, sedimentation, Late Pleistocene, Holocene, Paleolithic, Neolithic.

 

Soldatkin N.V., Molchanov I.V., Sidorin V.M.

Digital surface models of the Bronze Age fortified settlements of the Southern Trans-Urals (Alandskoye, Arkaim, Verkhneuralskoye, Zarechnoye IV, Sarym-Sakly, Sintashta)

Here we present the results of program aerial photography in areas of six fortified settlements of the Southern Trans-Urals (end of the 3rd — first quarter of the 2nd millennium BC; Sintashta and Petrovka archaeological cultures). The results are represented by digital surface models (DSM). They were created on the basis of serial photographs taken automatically from unmanned aerial vehicles. Models were built and processed using “Agisoft Metashape Professional” and “Golden Software Surfer” software packages. DSM act as a source for analyzing and clarifying the configurations of the fortified settlements, which is especially important for new and little-studied sites, such as Verkhneuralskoye and Zarechnoye IV. Also, the aerial photography coverage of a wide area allows clear reflection of the features of the landscape location of the settlements (Arkaim, Sarym-Sakly). By means of digital models, it is possible to record the effects of negative natural and anthropogenic factors on the archaeological sites (Alandskoye). The results of aerial surveys can be the basis for the creation of cartographic materials (Sintashta archaeological complex). The comparison of the DSM with data from other methods allows us to conclude that there is insufficient validity for identifying “additional” elements, such as additional rows of buildings, complex hydraulic structures, extensive structures of unclear purpose, work and utility buildings, on the territory of several sites based solely on the interpretation of individual aerial photographs.

Keywords: Southern Trans-Urals, Bronze Age, Sintashta Culture, Petrovka Culture, Sintashta-Petrovka type fortified settlements, aerial photography, digital surface model.

 

Mimokhod R.A., Usachuk A.N.

Bone spindle whorls in the funeral rite of the Lola Cultural Circle

This paper presents the analysis of a small number of burials from the Lola Cultural Circle, whose grave goods include bone spindle whorls. It provides a brief overview of trace evidence on the use of such objects that served as flywheels of the rotary system. The authors come to the conclusion that it was the Lolа Culture and related post-Catacomb cultural formations of Ciscaucasia and the Volga-Ural region that stood at the origins of the spread of traditions of using bone spindle whorls in funeral rites in the Late Bronze Age, in territorial and chronological sense being a transmission link of the Caucasian tradition of placing spindle whorls in graves.

Keywords: spindle whorl, funeral rite, Lola Cultural Circle, post-Catacomb era, traceevidence, chariot cultures, continuity.

 

Alaeva I.P., Rassadnikov A.Yu.

Archaeozoology of the Zvyagino-4 settlement of the Alakul Culture in the context of different cultural deposits

This work is dedicated to the discussion of results of the study of archeozoological collection from the settlement of Zvyagino-4 (18th–17th centuries BC) of the Alakul Culture in the forest-steppe part of the Southern Trans-Urals. The paper presents the results of a basic archaeozoological study and provides the characteristics of the herd of domestic animals. A contextual analysis of animal bones from different layers of the site has been carried out. The complex of bones identifiable to the species is represented almost entirely by domestic ungulates. Cattle bones constitute 49 % of the assemblage, small cattle bones — 41 %, horse bones are in third place in terms of number — 6.7 %. The analysis of bone age markers reveals the presence of all age groups of livestock within the settlement — from embryos/newborns to very old individuals. This may indicate both a full cycle of livestock breeding and comprehensive livestock management. For cattle, the main peak of slaughter was recorded approximately within the age of 2.5–3 years, and for small cattle — within 1–2 years, which, of course, can be interpreted as a reflection of intensive meat exploitation of livestock, regardless of the sex of the animals. The quantitative ratio of animal species from different strata of the settlement did not provide significant variations, which indicates a common origin of the bones, and is associated with the kitchen waste of the Alakul population. At the same time, the comparative analysis of bones from different contexts revealed a significant difference in modification changes and bone fragmentation: a high degree of fragmentation of the material and the largest number of bones with thermal treatment have been recorded within the ashpit contents. The contextual analysis of the osteological collection of the Zvyagino-4 settlement suggests that the bone material from the ashpit layer underwent a special selection associated with grinding and overburning procedure.

Keywords: osteology, animal bones, ash heap, Alakul Culture, cattle breeding, Bronze Age, Southern Trans-Urals.

 

Borisov A.V., Smekalova T.N., Zanina O.G., Leonov L.L., Afonin A.S., Goroshnikov A.A., Savelyev D.O.

Subsistence systems of the Late Bronze Age population in the Northwestern Crimea

The subsistence systems of ancient societies included three components: [i] the resource base, [ii] the economic model and [iii] the social sphere. The article discusses the main elements of the subsistence systems of the Sabativskaya and Belozerskaya cultures of the Late Bronze Age in Northwestern Crimea. It is shown that the resource base of Late Bronze Age societies was at the modern level or exceeded it. The basis of the economy of the Late Bronze Age population was animal husbandry with a specialization in cattle breeding. The share of sheep in the herd was much lower. At the same time, a significant variation in the proportion of horses in the herd was revealed in settlements located in different landscape positions. Hunting did not make any significant contribution to the economy. Traces of fishing are very insignificant. Agriculture as a sector of the economy was absent. Gathering played a significant role in the subsistence systems. The analysis of starch grains on graters indicate the use of rhizomes of reed [Phragmites sp.] for food. Stone was widely used for cattle pens building. Hovever, in the proposed living houses, stone was used only for lining pits, while and the upper part was presumably made of leather and felt. The size and different geomorphological position of the settlements, as well as the presence of stone cattle pens and types of tools may indicate different seasonality of settlements.

Keywords: Northwestern Crimea, Late Bronze Age settlements, climate, resource base, cattle breeding, starch, construction, flint, bronze.

 

Poshekhonova O.E., Skochina S.N.

The settlement of the final stage of the Early Iron Age in the northern taiga zone of Western Siberia (Pur River basin)

The article introduces into scientific discourse the new data on the final stage of the Early Iron Age from the Voento area on the Kharampur River. A detailed description of the materials from the Voento 9 and 11 settlements is provided, including the analysis of pottery, stone tools, and of the structure of the buildings. An additional objective was the use-wear analysis of stone tools to determine their functional purpose. It has been established that in the 2nd–3rd centuries AD, a small group of people lived in the Voento area in above-ground dwellings with shallow foundation pits. Despite their ability to process non-ferrous metals and the availability of iron tools for such operations as curing skins and woodworking (bone processing), they commonly used tools of a rather archaic appearance, made of quartz, less often flint. Pottery found in the settlements differs significantly from the Kulayka ceramics widespread in Western Siberia during that period. The comparative analysis has shown that the cultural traditions of this group of people were different from the Kulayka ones.

Keywords: north of Western Siberia, final stage of the Early Iron Age, ceramics, structure, stone tools, experimental use-wear analysis.

 

Beisenov A.Z., Panichkin A.V.

Metallographic analysis of an iron vessel fragment from the Late Saka kurgan of the Kyzylzhartas burial ground, Central Kazakhstan

Two fragments of the rim of an iron vessel have been found in mound 2 of the Kyzylzhartas cemetery located in the Shet district of the Karaganda region. The mound, 34 m in diameter and 1.4–2 m high, represents a burial site of the elite of the Late Saka period. This status of the burial is also confirmed by the gold jewellery that survived the robbery of the mound in ancient times. Based on archaeological data and radiocarbon analysis, the mound is dated to the second half of the 4th–3rd centuries BC. Metallographic analysis of single rim has shown that the vessel was manufactured from an iron sheet, 0.8–1 mm thick, made from a bloom by forging. The edge of the rim is bent inwards, and two circular hoops made from the same sheet are placed on the outside to strengthen the neck of the vessel. The lower one is a narrow strip bent at an obtuse angle. A second hoop is positioned on top of it, folded along its length from ca. 10 mm wide strip, with a cross-section in the shape of a flattened “eight”. The rim of the vessel is decorated with an ornament of a strip of yellow paint. The analysis of the structure of the paint layer suggests that the pigment was obtained from the mineral brown iron ore, otherwise limonite, by the means of grinding. Vessels of the late Saka period, made of iron sheet, are unknown on the territory of Kazakhstan. It was not possible to find any similarities in neighbouring regions as well. The results of the study are published for the first time.

Keywords: Central Kazakhstan, Late Saka period, iron vessel, metallographic analysis, bloom, forging.

 

Matveeva N.P., Zelenkova R.R., Tret'iakov E.A.

Materials for the study of natural environment and agricultural activities of the Medieval population of the Ust-Tersyuk settlement

This paper presents the reconstruction of the natural environment and agricultural activities of the Medieval inhabitants of the Ust-Tersyuk settlement based on the results of carpological and anthracological analyses of macroresidues and charcoal fragments. The analysed settlement, represented by a powerful fortress, is located in the forest-steppe Iset River region (Western Siberia). The cultural strata of the site reflect the long period of existence of the fortified site. Within the 4th–13th centuries, two phases have been distinguished (4th–9th and 9th–13th centuries), comparable to the materials of the Bakal and Yudino archaeological cultures. The analysis of the macroresidue samples taken from the filling of the middens, foundation pits, as well as from the body of the rampart of the defensive line, showed that the charcoal remains of the early (Bakal) period belong to woody plants, including larch, birch, and pine. Samples from the objects of the Yudino Culture are characterized by the presence of sclerotia of mycorrhizal fungi, indicating deforestation in the beginning of the Yudino period. Furthermore, ruderal weeds, such as white goosefoot, knotweed, sorrel, as well as cultivated remains of soft wheat and industrial waste in the form of forks from wheat ears and its stalks, have been recorded. The presence of remnants of cultivated cereals in the sample of the beginning of the 2nd millennium AD suggest the existence of rudiments of the agricultural tradition in the economy of the Trans-Ural population.

Keywords: Western Siberia, agriculture, residential landscape, the Middle Ages.

 

Golovchenko N.N., Pilipenko S.A.

Birch bark vessel from the Razdumie area

The article presents the birch bark item, found by A.P. Umanskii during the field study of the ground burial 3 of the ancient settlement of Razdumie-1, Kamenskii District, Altai Krai. The burial has been dated to the Mongol period (13th–14th centuries). The aim of this proposed research is to examine and to present the reconstruction of the birch bark item (a small cup vessel) originated from the ground burial 3 of Razdumie-1 site, stored in the collection of the Museum of Local History of Altai State Pedagogical University. The relevance of referring to the above-mentioned, partially published before material is due to the rarity of the surviving birch bark items from burial complexes of the Upper Ob region of different periods, and also due to the limited practice of their reconstruction and interpretation. In the course of the research and pre-restoration work, the authors for the first time accurately defined the shape, size and the technological characteristics of the vessel. An archival photograph of the same type of artifact from burial 1 of Razdumie-1, explored by A.P. Umanskii in 1960, has been discovered. Having considered a wide range of similarities to the item, the authors came to the conclusion that, despite a wide territorial and chronological coverage, vessels of this type are primarily united by the prevalence of the raw materials used for their manufacture and the simplicity of technological performance (layer method). At the same time, the authors specifically note the variety of methods of sewing birch bark vessels identified in the burial complexes of different periods in the south of Western Siberia. Having analysed the contents of birch bark vessels of a small cup type, the authors conclude that, within the burial space, they served as a receptacle for various substances from, possibly, cosmetic potions (during the Hun-Sarmatian period) to funeral meals in all subsequent periods, irrespective of the sex of the buried person and the variety of the construction of birch bark ware. The authors cautiously suggest that in cases where the examined burials do not contain traces of the vessels themselves, despite the presence of leftovers of funeral meals, it should be assumed a priori that these were present, and their absence is rather related to the poor preservation of organic matter in the climatic conditions of the Upper Ob area.

Keywords: Upper Ob area, Mongol time, Razdumie area, birch bark vessel, funeral rites.

 

Zakh V.A., Rafikova T.N., Yudakova V.S., Tsembalyuk S.I.

Tubeless clay kiln of the 17th century used for firing pottery on the Tarkhansky Ostrog

The article presents a tubeless clay kiln of the 17th century, used for firing ceramic products, in particular kitchenware. This is the first structure of this type in Western Siberia fully studied by excavations. Based on data from excavations and geophysical research, a graphic reconstruction of the furnace has been carried out. It represents a clay vault positioned within a filled pit on a pillow with a wooden frame, with a combined furnace and firing chamber. The presence of kiln of this type, taken outside of the wooden fortress for fire safety reasons, suggests the local nature of pottery production, probably for supplying not only the inhabitants of the fortress, but also the local Tatar neighbourhood. Similar clay tubeless kilns were widespread in Russia in the 17th century, and in Siberia they existed until the 20th century; according to the Siberians, they were stronger and more efficient than the brick ones.

Keywords: Lower Tobol region, Tarkhansky Ostrog, Russian complex of the 17th century, tubeless clay kiln, firing of pottery.