Abstract
Using archaeological materials, this article attempts to reveal correlation between society structural levels of each of the Sauromat-Sarmatian cultures and high-status “priestly” burials practices, as well as special artifacts associated with performance of worship cult acts. The results obtained allow us to assume that family-clan cults were widespread during weakening periods of centralized power. The interment of cult worshipers did not require specific practices. Rich priestly complexes with stable sets of sacred inventory appeared during the time of large nomadic group formation and strengthening periods of centralized power. Such burials most commonly belonged to women. The author proposes options of interaction between political and priestly elite and describes mechanisms for raising status of “priestesses” who performed public rituals.
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