CULTURAL TIES ACROSS TAIGA AND STEPPE: MATERIAL CULTURE FROM THE MEDIEVAL LOWER ANGARA RIVER AND PROSPIKHINSKAYA SHIVERA IV

Abstract

This study examines the cultural ties of the early 2nd millennium AD inhabitants of Prospikhinskaya Shivera IV, on the Lower Angara River in Siberia. Artifacts dated to the 11th and 12th centuries, including a double-edged saber, iron hinged belt tips, and two metal belt sets with rectangular and ovate iron overlay demonstrate connections with the Yenisei Kyrgyz culture. In the 13th century, the Lower Angara taiga dwellers were particularly infl uenced by the Mongol Empire, as evidenced by belt sets with metal plaquelike hooks, plate metal bracelets, “question-mark” shaped earrings, wide, fl at arrowheads, jointed bits with circular cheek-pieces, coin-shaped amulets, and beads of glass, faience, and ceramic material. Throughout most of the Middle Ages, cultural ties between the Angara population and Western Siberia were stable and continuous, as evidenced by Western Siberian bronze ornaments— openwork palmate-design pendants; arch-shaped dangle pendants; bell-shaped openwork pendants; a fl at pendant in the shape of a bird; cylindrical, embossed beads; and tripartite arched and quatrefoil sewn decorations. Other markers of Western Siberian ties include Srostki-type openwork and wheel-shaped pendants, round decorative overlays, a belt set with heart-shaped ornamental plates, combs, bow plates, specifi c types of arrowheads, and pottery. These imports notwithstanding, the principal components of the Lower Angara medieval culture were autochthonous, originating from earlier prototypes.