The Origin of the Karasuk People: Craniometric Evidence

Abstract

Measurements of 24 male cranial samples associated with the Karasuk culture were compared with those of 56 other samples using multivariate methods. On the dendrogram, the Karasuk cluster includes the Mongun-Taiga people, Saka, Sauromatians, Tauri, and a group from Sialk B. In the two-dimensional projection, this cluster is intermediate between the Andronovo and Okunev clusters, testifying to the admixed nature of the Karasuk population. In people associated with the Classic Karasuk tradition and in the north of the Karasuk area, the Okunev component predominates, whereas in members of the Kamenny Log tradition and in the south of the area, the proportion of the Okunev and Andronovo components is closer to equal. The use of twelve Andronovo samples conclusively disproves the belief that the sole ancestors of the Karasuk people were Andronovans. Mechanisms whereby Okunev aborigines were assimilated by Andronovo immigrants are discussed.