RADIOCARBON DATING OF OGLAKHTY GRAVE USING A WIGGLE MATCHING METHOD

Abstract

The absolute age of early Tashtyk grave 4 at Oglakhty, Khakassia, like that of most Tashtyk burial grounds, has been a matter of debate. The distinctive feature of this assemblage is the excellent state of preservation of artifacts made from organic materials. Samples of two wooden logs from the burial chamber found inside early Tashtyk grave 4 were subjected to the wiggle matching method. For each sample, an early and late probable radiocarbon dates were obtained (the calibration curve for the interval 2nd–4th centuries AD does not allow for a single estimate). The average dates of both samples fall within intervals 260–296 AD and 372–402 AD. Statistical analysis has resulted in a single and more reliable interval within two standard deviations – 387 ± 15 AD, which is later than previously believed.