Погребальные комплексы геоархеологического местонахождения Усть-Кеуль 1 (Северное Приангарье): проблемы культурно-хронологической идентификации

Abstract

This paper presents results of a study of two burial complexes from the geoarchaeological site Ust-Keul 1 in Northern Angara region (excavations of 2012). Mortuary rites and grave goods were analyzed, thus making clear the issue of cultural affiliation of these complexes and defining their uniqueness for the Baikal-Yenisei Siberia. The burials were made by a method of inhumation in ground graves. In both cases structures above and within the graves are absent. The accompanying burial goods are presented by arrowheads with a triangular shape, a concave base and equally large barbs, and by a horn made connector (a cartridge case), the one that was used to attach the stone arrowhead to the arrow shaft. Results of the radiocarbon dating determine the age of the burials by the Late Bronze Age – the Early Iron Age. The dating raises the question about a time of the Tsepan culture bearers` infiltration into the Northern Angara region. Results of the odontological analysis are presented and even based on the description of the extremely fragmented remains, it was possible to define sex and age characteristics of the buried ones. The unearthed fragments and isolated teeth belonged to three individuals. The stage of tooth crowns formation and dental enamel erosion are indicators of the age of the buried ones. Two of them are adolescents (burials 1 and 2, individual 2), and the age of the third individual (burial 2, individual 1), based on the erosion, is between 35–45 years. The results of our research obtained not only with reliance on analogies with other burials in the Northern Angara region but also based on credible radiocarbon data, corroborate the assumption of a somewhat earlier dating of the Tsepan culture burials. There is a discussion about possible infiltration of the Tsepan culture bearers in the Northern Angara region at the end of the Late Bronze Age. However, the issue of a more reliable chronology of these burials under study still remains relevant. The radiocarbon data indicate, at first sight, their earlier age but measurements obtained for burial 2 from the two individuals have large discrepancies. Additionally, they may appear older due to a freshwater reservoir effect. The accompanying burial goods are scarce but allow us, with confidence, to define the burials from Ust-Keul 1 site as belonging to the Tsepan culture.