Archaeological Complex Research Articles

Correlation of regional late woodland triangle projectile point variation and native American ethnic group territories in the central middle Atlantic

The shapes and sizes of 983 Late Woodland triangular projectile points from four indigenous Native American different ethnic groups of the central Middle Atlantic region (Unami Lenapi – Lower Delaware Valley, Munsee Lenape – Upper Delaware Valley, Susquehannock – Lower Susquehanna Valley, Nanticoke – Lower Delmarva Peninsula) and one archaeological complex (Shenks Ferry – Lower Susquehanna Valley) were compared using various univariate statistical analytics, including the difference-of-mean and difference-of proportion tests, to see if there were any statistically significant morphological differences among them. There were none, even though earlier studies of small samples with anecdotal observations and comparisons stated that there were observable differences among the projectile points of the various ethnic groups. This study's findings refute the axiomatic assumption of traditional normative culture approaches that there must be identifiable stylistic variation in projectile points among different ethnic groups. In the case of Late Woodland triangular projectile points in the central Middle Atlantic region, the technological prerequisites of shock hunting with bows and stone-tipped arrows limited inter-ethnic group variation in projectile point forms. However, use of poisons may have affected overall projectile point sizes.

The Glassware of Late Roman Time from Viitenky: the Technological Aspect

This article is devoted to the study of the technological features of the manufacturing and decoration of glass vessels from archaeological complex of late Roman time – early Great Migrations period at Viitenky in the East of Ukraine. The observations of the evolution of shapes, decor and individual morphological features of Roman glassware has reached almost a century in their development now. During this time, researchers have repeatedly emphasized their information potential in chronological constructions and searches for production centres of certain types. The technical and technological approach in the study of glass found its place in the investigation of Cherniakhiv antiquities. In our opinion, in combination with traditional archaeological methods, it remains one of the most promising ways to resolve the issue of the origin of Cherniakhiv glass vessels, even today. The purpose of our study is a comparative analysis of the technological features of glassware from Viitenky, vessels from the area of the Cherniakhiv culture in Ukraine and items from the Roman provinces. The analysis of the materials allows drawing some conclusions. The set of technological methods registered during the study of glassware from Viitenky finds parallels both among Cherniakhiv glass vessels and among provincial Roman vessels. However, some of them are asynchronous to those existing in the provinces in late Roman and late Antique times. Despite the fact that the same morphological and decorative elements occur both among barbarian cups and among vessels of the Provincial-Roman circle, the chronology of their existence in both categories of Cherniakhiv glassware is often different. Observations of the chronology of their existence among Cherniakhiv vessels on the territory of Ukraine suggest certain changes in the set of technological methods used for their manufacturing and decoration, which appear no earlier than in the middle of the 4th century.

Taphonomic bias in preservation and representativeness of skeletal samples (a case of Gonur Depe)

The topic of this article is theoretical and practical issues underlying the problems of representativeness of skeletal samples, as well as age and sex biases in preservation of skeletal remains, and the impact of these fac-tors on paleodemographic reconstructions. The impact of taphonomic bias in preservation on the qualitative and quantitative composition of skeletal sample is discussed on the materials from Gonur Depe — a Bronze Age proto-urban center in Southern Turkmenistan (2500–1500 BC, BMAC — Bactria-Margiana archaeological com-plex, also referred to as Oxus Civilization). The analyzed sample consists of skeletal remains of 500 individuals (215 non-adults, 115 adult males and 170 adult females) excavated between 2008 and 2015. Based on the type of preservation of skeletal remains, their completeness, as well as the preservation index (computed for each individual by dividing the number of long bones present by 14 — their maximum number per individual), three preservation classes were identified, of which class 1 corresponds to poor, and class 3 — to good state of preser-vation. Comparison of sex and age groups per each preservation class using сhi-square test demonstrates that in the Gonur Depe skeletal remains of infants (0–4 years old) and young adults (under 35 years of age) show the best state of preservation. Skeletons of elderly adults (over 35 years of age) have the worst state of preservation. There are no statistically significant differences between sexes in the degree of bone preservation. On the one hand, these results, contrary to theoretical expectations, testify against the existence of taphonomic biases in preservation of infant and female skeletons. On the other hand, the underrepresentation of elderly individuals in the studied collection is probably explained by a decrease in resistance to taphonomic processes due to the ac-celerated loss of bone calcium. It has been concluded that age and sex-related biases in the demographic struc-ture of prehistoric skeletal samples cannot be universally explained by the preservation factor. Misrepresentation in the percentage of different age and sex groups is a non-linear and a complicated process that requires consid-eration of different factors affecting the qualitative and quantitative composition of a particular skeletal sample. A detailed assessment of the taphonomic characteristics of a studied skeletal collection should be a mandatory step prior to its analysis by paleodemographic methods.

Settlement Complexes of the Paleometall Era and the Middle Ages in the Upper Reaches of the Kulunigyi River (Basin of the Bolshoi Yugan River, KhMAO – Yugra)

Purpose. There are many secluded corners in the northern part of Western Siberia. The routes of modern explorers are determined by economic development projects and do not always cover remote areas. Archaeological exploration in the upper reaches of the Kulunigyi River made it possible to discover archaeological materials and objects – fragments of ceramic vessels on the territory of two settlement complexes. These materials made it possible to characterize the settlement complexes in terms of their cultural and chronological affiliation. This article is devoted to solving this problem.Results. This article publishes archaeological materials originating from poorly explored territories. The analysis of materials is carried out by comparison using the analogy method. As a result, links with archaeological complexes located on the Barsova Gora near the city of Surgut are determined. These connections point to the time of the formation and development of the settlement complexes to which this article is devoted. Analysis of the location of archaeological materials on the territory of the studied settlement complexes made it possible to determine the morphological features of ruined structures that were erected at different stages of the development of this territory.Conclusion. At present, the object complexes from the Barsova Gora occupy a central place in the material culture of the ancient societies of the Middle Ob region. Because the Barsova Gora stow is the cultural and geographical center of this ancient oecumene. The materials published in this article reflect the forms of the same cultural phenomena, but on the periphery of the habitat of its carriers. This conclusion is very important for understanding the variability of ancient cultures in the vast area of the Middle Ob region. At the same time, we determine the main morphological characteristics of the settlement complexes that arose in the study area during the Eneolithic, Early Iron Age, and the Middle Ages. This information will be very useful when conducting archaeological exploration in the future.

3D Modeling and Structural Monitoring of the Puka Pukara Archaeological Complex-Peru

Archaeological buildings are part of our national cultural heritage, have a legacy of historical significance, and are generators of economic benefits, due to tourist movements. Three-dimensional models have become a useful and significant tool for monitoring records, virtual reality, and structural analysis of architectural monuments. Aerial photogrammetry is the most employed method, it provides a complete model of the monument, incorporates a digital camera that can be used manually, placed on a drone, or on top of tripod instruments. Therefore, this method is versatile and can generate complete 3D models at the expense of longer processing times. This study proposes the 3D modeling and structural monitoring of the archaeological complex of Puka Pukara, to characterize the general state of damage of the monument, including inaccessible areas. The data generated from the area acquisition provided a thorough identification of the pathologies in the facades and walls. The results show highly deterministic 3D digital models that are then rigorously analyzed. The structural monitoring showed that the west wall and the east façade of the Puka Pukara enclosure show deterioration, cracks, deformations, and a high risk of decline, so emergency actions are recommended for their stabilization. The paper presented a single case study where a single 3D scanning technique was applied to the archaeological complex of Puka Pukara. The results generated by the methodology allowed complete digitization (exterior and interior) with a high level of detail of the structures, which can only be achieved by using one methodology (photogrammetry).

Вовчок сірий (Glis glis) на території Більського археологічного комплексу (Полтавщина)

During archaeological excavations at the Bilsk Archaeological Complex (Kotelva Raion, Poltava Oblast) in 2008–2013, the authors noted the activity of dormice and conducted catches. Catching was carried out by live traps in the floodplain oak-ash forest on the right bank of the Siversky Donets River. All dormice are identified as Glis glis. In total, about 20 individuals were caught, equally for each sex. Females caught between July and early August gave birth to 4 to 6 young. The animals tolerated captivity well and lived up to 8 years. This site is much further east (200 km) of recent record localities of the species.

Environmental and land use changes in a Mediterranean landscape: Palynology and geoarchaeology at ancient Metapontum (Pantanello, Southern Italy)

The paper presents the results of palynological and geoarchaeological investigation carried out on the Greek-Roman site of Pantanello – ancient Metapontum – in the Metaponto Plain (southern Italy). This area, archaeologically investigated since the ‘70s, is an example of the long-term interaction between human communities and the environment. A total of 29 pollen samples and 43 bulk samples for sedimentological and mineralogical analyses were collected from three 2-m-deep trenches excavated in the vicinity of the archaeological complex of Pantanello and the alluvial plain of the Basento River. Our multidisciplinary investigation permitted to elucidate the main natural and human-controlled sedimentary processes that took place in the last two millennia. Large part of sedimentation occurred in fluvial environments and led to the accumulation of fine and organic matter-rich deposits. This happened in alluvial to swampy environments at the margin of the Basento River plain. Since the Greek occupation of the area, human communities contributed to the sedimentation with different degree of intensity. In fact, human agency (herding and cultivation) tuned the intensity of soil erosion and slope processes, thus activating the colluvial mobilization of coarse sediments into the sedimentary sequence. Pollen analyses allowed exhaustive landscape reconstructions of the site, giving specific details on the land use and its transformations during the Greek and Roman phases. The increased human exploitation of the area altered the intensity of surface processes (erosion and sedimentation) and the evolution of plant cover promoted by natural dynamics.

The invention of twill tapestry points to Central Asia: Archaeological record of multiple textile techniques used to make the woollen outfit of a ca. 3000-year-old horse rider from Turfan, China

Ancient knowledge of the textile arts production and weaving techniques belong to the world's intangible cultural heritage and shape the appearance of most people worldwide when used for clothing. However, their ancient roots can be seldom studied because archaeological textiles and looms on which they were produced decay in most environments without trace. This article presents technical details of fabric and finishing techniques of eight wool garments of a horseman buried ca. 1200–1000 BCE at Yanghai, located in the Turfan oasis in Northwest China. They show an unprecedented diversity and a free combination of three weaving techniques and one type of weft twining supplemented by at least three different braiding methods to finish and fasten the clothes. All techniques were validated by reproduction. The most complex piece of the costume, the man's trousers, known as one of the oldest preserved to date, was made with four different textile techniques on one device, two of them are new discoveries and termed “Yanghai dovetailed twill tapestry” and “Yanghai weft twining”. The studied textiles are local products showing advancements of wool technologies developed in the southern (tapestry) and northern (twill) parts of West Asia, which were transferred and further refined by wool-workers via as yet unknown areas in central and northern Eurasia. A specific inclined T-hook pattern zone at the trousers' knees finds close correspondence with patterns on ritual bronze vessels of the late Shang dynasty in the Chinese Central Plains, ca. 1300–1100 BCE, and on pottery of the Andronovo-Federovo archaeological complex in southwest Siberia and Central Asia, ca. 1800–1000 BCE. Since the appearance of this pattern in Northwest and Central China coincides with the arrival of domesticated horses and associated technologies, the horse breeders likely were the mediators. The stepped pyramid or merlon pattern might refer to architectural features of Eastern Iran and the middle Bronze Age Oxus civilisation. To verify the possible connections, however, is subject to future studies.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ МНОГОСЛОЙНЫХ РАЗНОКУЛЬТУРНЫХ КОМПЛЕКСОВ ВЕРХНЕГО ПРИЧУМЫШЬЯ: КУЮК-I

The Kuyuk terrain covers both sides of the Chumysh river valley. On the western side, this is the Biysk-Chumysh Upland, on the eastern side - the Salair Ridge. Several archaeological complexes are known here, timed to specific orographic structures. The present work describes the first object discovered in 1959 and named Kuyuk-I. This segment of the Kuyuk terrain is related to the mouth area of the Kornachak river, which flows into the Chumysh from the left. This river formed a cape 1.37 meter long, dropping from 54 to 9 meters above the floodplain surface. A group of burial sites of the Andronovskaya culture of the Bronze Age and the Odintsovskaya culture of the early Middle Ages have been discovered on the cape. Therefore, cultural layers of the Neolithic Kornachak culture, individual fragments of ceramics of the late Bronze Age and materials of the Bystryanskaya culture of the early Iron Age were recorded.

Pazyryk-type burial and petroglyphs of the Tausamaly archaeological complex

The article presents the results of a research work carried out at the archaeological complex of Tausamaly. The complex consists of a large burial ground and accumulations of petroglyphs. The monuments are in the Aksu district of the Zhetysu region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In barrow No. 1, a paired burial of the Pazyryk culture, accompanied by three horses, was found in a tiered stone box. A large number of petroglyphs, tamgas and signs were found near the burial ground. A few petroglyphs have pictorial analogies in Southern Siberia and the eastern regions of Central Asia Graphic symbols are divided into several groups. The first group is represented by symbols that differ from each other by various additional elements in the form of dots and lines, as well as being in composition with the figure of an animal. The second group is tamga-shaped signs in the form of a dumbbell-shaped figure. Signs have different sizes, and various additional elements, in the form of dotted and linear knockouts located side by side. The materials of the burial ground and petroglyphs date back to the 4th-2nd centuries BC

Краткий обзор вариабельности терминально-краевого расщепления в комплексах финального сартана Байкало-Енисейской Сибири

The article presents the characteristic of the terminal-edge microknapping from the archaeological complexes of the Final Sartanian (sr4 ) of Baikal-Yenisei Siberia. These complexes are dated in the interval of 14.7– 12.8 ka cal BP. Most of them are localized in the Southern Angara region (14 objects). The rest of them are located on the Upper Lena (1 object) and in the Kan-Yenisei region (2 objects). Cultural complexes from the above-mentioned interval are included a large number of the Bølling–Allerød (BA) soils. The process of the identification of techniques/methods of terminal-edge microknapping coincide with understanding that is considered in Japanese archeology. Variations of the Yubetsu techniques (Sakkotsu, Oshorokko) are widely used including those which have a sharp flaking angle in the traditional system of frontal platform trimming. Bifaces, unifaces, flakes, platy partings and pebbles were the preforms. There are single forms made in the Rankosi technique. The earlier technique of Saikai continues to exist. The blanks were pebbles, flakes, specially prepared forms, bifaces. The main feature of this technique is the trimming of the platform by transversely oriented spalls with one of the laterals. It is combined with Campus technique. It is based on the use of flakes, flattened cores of various modifications and specially prepared bifacial forms as blanks. For the Campus technique a special variant of platform trimming was fixed which was formed by a series of flakes from the lateral as in the Saikai technique. Then the working segment of the platform was supplemented with a specific “stepped” flakes from the front. The closest analogies of the Yubetsu strategy are found in the materials of synchronous objects in the Baikal-Patom highlands and Western Transbaikal region. The combination of the specific techniques of microknapping of the Saikai and the Campus has broad analogies in the Sartanian complexes of the Yenisei River valley. In the development of the cultures of the late stage of the Upper Paleolithic of Baikal-Yenisei Siberia a certain continuity is traced. It is expressed in the development of microknapping strategies.

Chronometric Dating of Monuments and Iron Smelting Site at the Sungai Batu Archaeological Complex, Bujang Valley, Kedah, Malaysia to Fulfill Requirement of Urbanization and Land Use Development Since 788 Bc

Chronometric Dating of Monuments and Iron Smelting Site at the Sungai Batu Archaeological Complex, Bujang Valley, Kedah, Malaysia to Fulfill Requirement of Urbanization and Land Use Development Since 788 Bc

Бронзы из курганного могильника Арчекас на реке Кия (по материалам раскопок 1971 года на северо-востоке Кузбасса)

To solve the problem of cultural and chronological affiliation of the Archekas burial mound, located on the right bank of the Kiya River (left tributary of the Chulym River), in the Middle Kiya archaeological microdistrict in the north-east of Kuzbass, the author analyzed the elemental composition of the metal of the accompanying inventory from two collective and one single burials of the burial ground, which consisted of two burial mounds. The materials of the archaeological site have a chronologically and territorially wide range of analogies; therefore, since the first comprehension of the results of excavations in 1971 (the works of A.M. Kulemzin), they entail conflicting dating and understanding of the cultural attribution of this object. The data published in the article about the composition of copper-bronze alloys of seven objects (two mirrors, a celt, two buckles, a knife and a badge-wheel) were obtained as a result of application of two methods - non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis of the surface and atomic emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma, when a metal sample in the form of swarf is analyzed. The publication of the results of the analysis of metal products is accompanied by their description and illustrations. Statistical and archaeometallurgical interpretation of the data obtained showed that by the ratio of chemical and metallurgical groups of copper-based alloys (43% of tin bronzes, 14% of arsenous-tin bronzes, 29% of “pure” copper, 14% of arsenic copper) the studied collection of bronzes is close to the materials of the sites of the Upper Ob region (Kulay culture, Kamenny Cape burial ground), Kiya-Chulym interfluve (Lepeshkinsky stage of the Tagar culture, Serebryakovo I burial ground) and Tuva (Uyuk-Saglyn culture, Suglug-Khem burial ground) dated III-II centuries BCE. Like the Archekas collection, the sets of non-ferrous metal of this time are distinguished by the absence of pieces with a pronounced predominance of tin or arsenic alloys. This shows the transitional nature of the metallurgical strategy, which fits in terms of relative chronology between the tradition of tin alloys of the middle of the 1st millennium BCE and copper-arsenic alloys at the turn of the era. In combination with the analysis of the range of late analogies of the objects of the Archekas burial ground, covering the period from the II century BCE until the VI century BCE, the data on the elemental composition of the bronzes allow concluding that the metallurgical tradition is archaic, which is recorded on the basis of the materials of the only burial site investigated in the Archekas archaeological complex. The analogies given for the Archekas inventory from the monuments of the Bolsherechensk culture of the Upper Ob region, mainly of its Berezovsky stage (II-I centuries BCE), are supported by the hypothesis earlier expressed by V.V. Bobrov about the nearby Kuznetsk Basin as a seasonal pasture of the population of the Bolsherechensk culture.

The Map of Cultural-Archaeological Areas of Eastern-European Plain in the 10th Century (to the Problem Posed)

The paper presents an experimental map of archaeological cultural areas of the East European Plain in the 10th century, each of which represents a set of archaeological cultures and groups of archaeological complexes similar in a number of characteristics. In the paper the necessity of revision of traditional approach to the interpretation of the archaeological date of the East European plain, which is based on a rigid, but often a priori binding of groups of archaeological monuments to politonyms and ethnonyms, known from written sources, is substantiated. Since archaeological cultures have been named on the basis of such identifications, there is a need to revise the principles of their designation (naming). A bird’s-eye view of the East European Plain made it possible to see the process of the revolutionary transformation of this part of the geopolitical mega-structure of Eurasia, which took place during the “long 10th century”, from the last quarter of the 9th to the middle of the 11th century.

ПРОДОЛЖЕНИЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЙ ПОГРЕБЕНИЙ ХУННУ НА АРХЕОЛОГИЧЕСКОМ КОМПЛЕКСЕ ИХ НУУЛЭГТ В СЕВЕРНОЙ МОНГОЛИИ: ПРЕДВАРИТЕЛЬНОЕ СООБЩЕНИЕ

In 2021, excavations continued at the Ikh nuulegt archaeological complex, which consists of several Xiongnu burial sites and is located in Orkhontuul somon in Selenge aimag of Mongolia. As a result of the work carried out, four burials at the Ikh nuulegt-I and Ikh nuulegt-III sites were investigated. All the burial mounds had traces of looting incursions. This circumstance affected the preservation of the gravestones and intra-grave structures. Clearing at different levels and detailed fixation allowed the features of the funerary practices of the ancient nomadic population of the Xiongnu empire to be restored. In addition to human bones, osteological remains from animals as well as remains of funerary implements were discovered.

Финальная стадия раннего верхнего палеолита Северной Монголии: каменная технология и региональные аналогии: Толбор-4, слои 4a и 4b

The article considers the lithic assemblage of archaeological horizon 4a of Tolbor 4 site in Northern Mongolia (excavation campaign of 2017) in the context of development of Early Upper Paleolithic lithic industries during MIS-3 stage. On the basis of radiocarbon dates, stratigraphic position and techno-typological features of lithic assemblage this complex along with the industry of archaeological horizon 4b of Tolbor 4 is classified as terminal Early Upper Paleolithic. Th is industry is characterized by predominantly flake-based orthogonal and small-blade unidirectional reduction techniques. Th e collection of complex 4a revealed a geometric microlith — trapeze, previously considered a characteristic feature of the late Upper Paleolithic of the region. It was determined that the Early Upper Paleolithic of Tolbor 4 archaeological complexes shows a smooth sequential evolution from the Initial Upper Paleolithic of Archaeological Horizon 5, through the terminal Early Upper Paleolithic of Horizon 4c/5 to the terminal Early Upper Paleolithic of Horizons 4b and 4a. The radiocarbon dates obtained allow the chronological framework of the Terminal Upper Paleolithic to be shifted closer to the lower boundary of the Last Glacial maximum. The Terminal Early Upper Paleolithic technocomplex defined on the basis of complexes 4a and 4b of Tolbor-4, as well as Archaeological Horizon 4 Kharganyn-gol-5 have undoubted cultural and/or stadial reminiscence with the lithic industries of the Kunaley culture of Russian Transbaikal.

Поселение Черталы в Тарском Прииртышье: некоторые итоги изучения

The article presents some results of the archaeological study of the settlement of Chertaly I, located in the middle reaches of the Tara River, left by the historical ancestors of the Siberian Tatars. Some information about the history of the monument research is provided as well as characterization of its current state. The settlement has been excavated for several seasons, with the total area of the digs equated to 660 m2. As a result, the remains of two residential buildings, the utility zone and the adjacent space have been studied. On the basis of the data collected, some construction technologies are described, the issues of the planographic organization of settlements are touched upon, the special characteristics of the economy of the indigenous population are discussed. The data obtained convincingly connects the archaeological complex with the historical settlement of Chertaly, which existed until the middle of the XIX century. Additionally, the data allows us to conclude that the studied complexes represent the final stage of the settlement's existence

Особенности расположения археологических памятников в Большереченском районе Омской области (по результатам мониторинга 2016-2018 гг.)

The article is the first to study the patterns of the location of archaeological complexes in the forest-steppe and north-forest-steppe zones on the left bank in the regions of the middle reaches of the Irtysh River. The work is based on the materials of monitoring of objects of archaeological heritage in the Bolsherechensky district of the Omsk region, located in the indicated natural zones. The author analyzes the location of burial mounds, settlements, hillforts of different cultural and chronological affiliation. As a result, a number of patterns in their placement are presented. It is concluded that the sites on this territory are localized on terraces or edges of lake basin, low ridge, isolated hill, confined to local water bodies and watercourses. Of the total number of sites, mounds and burial mounds prevail, to a lesser extent there are ancient hillforts and settlements, and ground burial grounds are rare. Burial mounds and mounds are found throughout the territory. Of these, most of those explored by excavations date from the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. Several hillforts of different times are also known here. Five of them are terraced semicircular (Krasnoozerskay culture of the transitional period from the Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age, Sargatskay culture of epochs of the Early Iron Age), one is a promontory (Early Iron Age). The settlements date from the Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age. Such an arrangement of the monuments corresponded to the most efficient management of the economy of the population of these regions at the indicated time, with the methods of nature management applied at that time.

Реконструкция ландшафтов и палеоклиматических обстановок на раннесредневековых некрополях Южного Предуралья: Бустанаевском курганном и Бирском грунтовом могильниках (по палинологическим данным)

Interest in the palynological study of deposits of the cemeteries on the territory of Southern Cis-Urals was rare. Moreover, the results of such a few works have not been published. The purpose of this study was to restore paleoecological conditions at the time of the functioning of the Bustanai burial mounds and Birsk burial ground based on the results of palynological analysis. Bustanai burial mounds, numbering 63 barrows, is a part of the Bustanai archaeological complex. The settlement included in the complex is a fortified settlement of the Bakhmutino culture of the Early Middle Ages (3–7th centuries AD). The Birsk burial ground, numbering 692 burials, is the most important site of the Early Middle Ages in the study area. In total, 15 samples were analyzed by the palynological method: 5 samples from barrow 45 at the Bustanai burial mounds and 10 samples from excavation 2 of the Birsk burial ground. The territory of the Birsk burial ground was a synanthropized edge of a coniferous-broad-leaved forest, and in the vicinity of the Bustanai burial mounds, floodplain willow forests were probably widespread. Thanks to comprehensive archaeological and palynological studies of two burial grounds and cultural layers that formed in the Early Middle Ages at a number of archaeological sites in the Southern Fore-Urals region, it was possible to establish zoning in the distribution of plant communities in this time. In the more northern regions at this time coniferous (pine) forests with an admixture of broadleaved species (Birsk settlement) and coniferous-deciduous forests (Birsk burial ground) grew. To the south (fortified settlement Ufa 2) broad-leaved and small-leaved broad-leaved forests with an admixture of conifers were widespread. In open areas, grasses, representatives of meadow forbs, and various synanthropic (ruderal and pasqual) plants grew. The climate of the Early Middle Ages was cooler and drier in the northern regions, temperate and more humid in the vicinity of Ufa. The gaps in the accumulation of palynological material discovered by us in the excavations of the Bustanai burial mounds and the Kara-Abyz settlement may also indicate a deterioration in climatic conditions within the study area in the Early Middle Ages.

Личины Моховского Лога и памятники окуневской культуры в горах Оглахты

The paper considers rock art sites, statuary and funerary sites of the Okunev culture (the Bronze Age in the Minusinsk Basin) which are known within the territory of the Oglakhty mountainous massif, one of the largest archaeological complexes in the Republic of Khakassia. Among the vast number of rock art images in Oglakhty, only a few are so far attributed to the Okunev culture, which is distinguished by its art. The author introduces into scholarly curculation and describes in detail the effigies on the rocks at Mokhovsky Log, a recently discovered rock art site; and considers the problems of their cultural and chronological attribution, as well as of some other relevant rock art images in the Oglakhty mountains. Statuary sites, which the Okunev culture is especially known for, are also not numerous in Oglakhty: one statue with a face-mask is now lost, and two others that have been recently discovered, were reused as tomb stones in the kurgan constructions of the later Tagar culture. Materials from the excavations of the Okunev burials in the Krasny Yar cemetery are also presented. Excavated by E.B. Vadeckaya in 1972 in the southern foothills of the Oglakhty mountains, the cemetery containedburials of the Okunev culture, both embedded in some barrows of the preceding Afanasievo culture (Krasny Yar I), and forming independent barrows (Krasny Yar II). They belong to different stages of the Okunev culture. Interesting and rare materials have been found in these graves; moreover, for the first time it was stratigraphically traced that at least 100 years passed between Afanasievo and embedded Okunev burials (so, the cultures did not coexist, as was previously thought). The materials obtained from the cemetery require further research by modern methods, as well as their complete publication. The author concludes that in the mountains and foothills of the Oglakhty there are evidences of the existence of Okunev culture at different stages of its development; their small (compare to the sites of other cultures) number is due to the insufficient investigation of the territory; and the prospects for new discoveries and replenishment the body of sources for the Okunev culture are associated with the application of modern methods of revealing and documenting archaeological heritage