Bracelets of the Romny culture population

Abstract

The article presents the results of an analysis of Romny culture bracelets in order to reveal the sources of origin of certain forms. In total, 48 bracelets were recorded, excluding 7 items of the 1915 hoard from Korobkino, which is the subject of a special publication. The most popular bracelets were made of wire with expanding ends (30 items), the prototypes of which are well known among Slavic antiquities of the VI–VIII centuries. These items, along with plate bracelets with expanding ends (6 items), that appeared in Volyntsevo time, act as a kind of marker of the Romny culture at the Eastern European Slavic-Russian sites of the IX–X centuries. Russian imports are represented by a wire bracelet with tied ends from Shpilevka, as well as jewelry from Korobkino. Four thin wire bracelets reflect the influence of Khazar fashion. The use of silver as a raw material (3 items) suggests their local production. Two iron plate bracelets with loops at the ends most likely came directly from the Khaganate. There are weak connections with the Finnish environment of the Volga region, as well as contacts between the inhabitants of Novotroitskoe and Truvorovo hillforts. In general, the set of Romny bracelets represents an essentially original phenomenon.