Abstract
Metal (presumably bronze) mirrors are rather numerous in the early nomadic burials. This study pursues two goals: (1) analysis of burials with mirrors based on the representative data base from the Southern Ural area (the end of the 6th—2nd centuries BCE) and (2) interpretation of symbolism related to mirrors in the mortuary context. The sample consists of 90 anthropologically identified undisturbed burials with mirrors. Of these, 75 burials belonged to females (83.3 %), 11 — to males (12.2 %) and 4 — to sub-adults (4.5 %). The author has analyzed the distribution of objects according to age/gender groups and the correlation between mirrors and other grave goods (ornaments, weapons and cultic items). As a result, we can conclude that mirrors are artifacts of complex symbolism, being objects of everyday life, vertical status and cult, at the same time. It can be confirmed by their position near the head or to the right of the body, the finds of precious and rare mirrors, as well as the location of mirrors in complexes of various objects of cult.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Stratum plus. Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
