Baraba Forest-steppe Research Articles

Affinities of the Sargat Population in the Baraba Forest-Steppe

Within-group, between-group, and comparative analysis of craniometric data relating to local and chronological samples of the Sargat population (5th century BC to late 3rd / 4th century AD) was carried out. The study focuses on sample from the Baraba forest-steppe. Comparative analysis, performed with the principal component method, included Early Iron Age samples from adjacent territories. No discontinuity was found in the spatio-temporal cranial variation among the Sargat groups. Despite differences between the three Sargat samples (Baraba, Irtysh, and Trans-Ural), they all represent one and the same Caucasoid physical type, characterized by meso-brachycrany, medium-high braincase, wide low, and somewhat flattened face, moderately inclined frontal bone, and protruding nasal bones. The Baraba group differs from two others by a wider face, larger pyriform aperture, and largest dacryal width. Comparative statistical analysis indicates affinities of the male part of Sargat groups with nomads of the Urals and Kazakhstan—Saka, Sauromatians, and Sarmats. Possibly, military campaigns by the Achaemenid state against the nomadic tribal unions of Central Asia in the second half of the 6th century BC triggered the migration process. Initially, migrants moved to the Irtysh basin, and thence to the western (Trans-Ural) and eastern (Baraba) peripheries of the emerging Sargat culture. The female part of the population was less affected by migratory processes. Female samples of the Sargat reveal an autochthonous cranial complex.

Assessment of Holocene climate influence on hydrothermal regime of paleoecotopes within Ryams of the Baraba forest-steppe (southern Western Siberia)

A clearly defined trend of alterations in the properties of peat across the depth of the deposit has been observed in the two studied ryams of the Barabinsk forest-steppe. The changes in peat properties influenced by external factors outweigh those induced by autogenic development of the bog. In order to achieve an accurate reconstruction of changes in the water regimes of ryams, it is essential to consider that the properties of peats reflect not only the state of the water regime at the time of their deposition but also subsequent changes over time. Both peat sections exhibit a catastrophic transition from the eutrophic to the oligotrophic stage of development approximately 4100 and 1100 years ago.

Craniological and dental non-metric data on the problem of the interaction between the repre-sentatives of the Sargatka and Bolsherechenskaya Cultures of the forest-steppe of the south Western Siberia

In the present paper, fully based on previously published craniological and dental non-metric data, the origins of common morpho-logical elements in the compositions of representatives of the Sargatka and Bolsherechenskaya Cultures are investigated. An attempt is made to assess the available data with the aid of the integrated analysis, implying combined examination of craniological and dental non-metric data for each population. The previous studies of the craniological and dental non-metric data showed that the series are significantly distinct in the differentiation by the vector ‘west-east’, or, in other words, Caucasoidness-Mongoloidness. Despite this, their certain affinity was recorded repeatedly, both in the analysis of craniometric data as well as in the study of odontoscopic data, but no explanation of this peculiarity has yet been proposed. The craniological sample of the Sargatka Culture comprised 158 crania and the dental non-metric one — 424 crania. The boundaries of the areal of the Sargatka Culture encompass the forest-steppe zone of the south of Western Siberia: the basins of the rivers Tobol, Ishim, and Irtysh, and the Baraba forest-steppe. The examined materials were divided in four groups corresponding to these territories. The craniological sample of the Bolsherechenskaya Culture comprised 118 crania, and the dental non-metric data amounted to 326 crania. The Bolsherechenskaya Culture materials originate from 11 burial grounds in the territory of the Novosibirsk Ob basin. All data were previously published. In the results, the population interaction of the bearers of the Sargat and Belsherechenskaya Cultures has been recorded, in which some representatives of the Kamenskaya Culture of the forest-steppe Altai were also involved, which is confirmed by archaeological data. However, it should be emphasized that this interaction was not so wide-scale. The Sargatka series, being located near to the Bolsherechenskaya ones, are also located in the same field with autochthonous Siberian groups. This becomes the evidence of the fact that not only the interaction in the Early Iron Age binds together the representa-tives of the Sargatka and Bolsherechenskaya Cultures. The fact is that the specificity of the anthropological composition of the Bolsherechenskaya people is directly related to the most ancient autochthonous Siberian populations, whereas the specific features of the Sargatka people — to southwestern migrants. However, an important result of the conducted analysis is that the composition of the Sargatka series retains the specific elements which are characteristic of the autochthonous populations of Western Siberia and which do not disappear under the influence of foreign migrant groups — this is the maturised structure of the lower molars.

Fish in Burial Practice of the Sargat Culture Population of the Early Iron Age of the Baraba Forest-Steppe (According to the Materials of the Mound No. 51 of the Ust-Tartas Burial Ground)

Purpose. The Sargat culture fish remains are still given very little attention. The purpose of this work is to present materials that testify to the use of fish in the burial practice of the Sargat population of Baraba.Finds (artefacts). In the field season of 2022, the Toguchin team of the IAET SB RAS explored the mound no. 51 of the Ust-Tartas burial ground of the Sargat culture. Among the various artifacts found on the mound territory there were objects containing animal bones, and objects containing fish remains, as well as objects containing both animal bones and fish remains.Methods. Preparation of the osteological collection of fish remains was carried out in 2022–2023 using a cameral processing method. The collection contains mainly scales, bones of the visceral part of the skeleton of the head, bones of the skull. Fragments of the axial skeleton (vertebrae, Weberian apparatus, urostyle) and pharyngeal teeth appear in a smaller number. In the pocess of the collection formation, it was found that the best preservation of samples is ensured by materials that have not been preliminary washed and cleaned: the bone structures are less brittle. Therefore, fragments of the fish skeleton were separated from the soil in the laboratory.Results. For the most part, accumulations of fish remains are represented by large specimens of older age groups (from 7+ years, mostly 10+ and more). The identified species composition of fish in samples of the Early Iron Age includes representatives of the family Cyprinidae (ide Leuciscus idus, goldfish Carassius gibelio) and family Percidae (perch Perca fluviatilis). In addition to the listed species, remains of the family Acipenseridae (sterlet Acipenser ruthenus) and the family Cyprinidae (golden crucian carp C. Carassius) were noted in the earlier objects. Object 10 stands out: it is a butt containing not only tools and animal bones, but also fish remains. For the first time, the fact of fish use in the funeral rite of the Sargatians was revealed. The fish remains in the mound testify that the population of the Sargat culture who created this site practiced fishing along with their main occupation – cattle breeding.Conclusion. Materials of the mound no. 51 of the Ust-Tartas burial ground, containing fish remains, are an example of the local population adaptation to the natural environment. The Tai tract was a natural oasis, which not only provided a forage base for livestock but also ensured an easy catch of fish. Human adaptation to the natural conditions in the Baraba region was quite successful, as evidenced by the fact that fish was a part of the funeral rite along with products of animal origin. It was often included in butts in some objects, which correlates with sacred actions.

DYNAMICS OF THE BRONZE FOUNDRY PRODUCTION IN THE OB-IRTYSH FOREST-STEPPE IN THE BRONZE AGE

The paper traces through several consecutive periods of the development of bronze foundry production in the Ob-Irtysh interfluve during the Bronze Age. At the first stage, copper-bronze products appeared in the area as imports. The local foundry emerged no earlier than the beginning of the III millennium BC on the sites of the Odino and Krotovo cultures. At that time, the technological base was being formed, including thermal facilities and developed foundry equipment (crucibles, ladles, molds, and nozzles). This process is largely synchronized with the emergence and development of Seima-Turbino technologies in the Ob-Irtysh forest-steppe. A sharp change in this line of development was taking place since the beginning of the II millennium BC as a result of increasing expansion of the Andronovo (Fyodorovo) population. Their arrival led to the modification of part of the production process associated with the metal melting (hearths and crucibles). At the same time, it should be noted that all molding processes have retained the features of local foundry production developed by the Krotovo people. The production technology developed as a result of this synthesis formed the basis for the foundry of the Irmen culture in the Late Bronze Age. A sharp change in a number of production techniques occurred only at the end of that period and is associated with the penetration of the Ural-Kazakhstan production traditions into western regions of the Baraba forest-steppe.

A Functional Analysis of Stone Tools from Bronze Age Burials in the Baraba Forest-Steppe, Based on Findings from Sopka-2

Lithics from chronologically diverse burials at Sopka-2, the Baraba forest-steppe, Western Siberia, were subjected to experimental use-wear analysis. We selected relatively well preserved specimens, suitable for microscopic examination and representing cultures such as Ust-Tartas, Odino, Krotovo, etc. Wear traces indicate the functions of tools and their places among the industries of the region. It was found that the tools had not been specially destined to be funerary items-they all display some wear and are well-suited for efficient use. Comparative characteristics of degree of wear are proposed. At the early stages, stone tools had been placed only in female burials, but at later stages they were distributed among Ьurials of females, children, and males. The findings provide a Ьasis for a functional and morphological typology of lithics used during that period.

“Salt Turn”—A Toponym in the Middle Irtysh Basin: Historical and Archaeological Evidence

This study addresses the "archaeology of salt" on the Middle !rtysh, where the !rtysh defense line was situated, as well as the routes whereby lake salt was transported in the 18th and 19th centuries. The main question concerned the historical causes underlying the toponym "Solyanoi Povorot" (Salt Turn) in the Cherlaksky District of the 0msk Region, southwestern Siberia, in the 18th century. This name had been given to one of the redoubts of the Irtysh defense line, linked to a transportation route to the Baraba forest-steppe. Apart from the salt-related toponymy, which spread mostly along the salt transportation routes, artifacts relating to the mining of evaporated lake salt were found in the region. Archaeological data correlate with the historical sources suggesting that this industry existed in southwestern SiЬeria in the 1600s and 1700s. Нowever, it is rather scantily refiected Ьy Russian toponymy. The singularity of the name Salt Turn is explained by a short-term functioning of that part of the salt route near the respective place. Later, the name changed to Solyanoye-referring to a village and having lost any connection with salt logistics. The analysis of sources suggests that lake salt mining and the routes by which it was transported were key factors in the construction of Russian defense lines (forts, outposts, redoubts) in southwestern Siberia. Moreover, this was one of the key factors in the colonization of that region first Ьy Muscovy and then Ьy the Russian Empire.

An Early Neolithic Sanctuary in the Eastern Irtysh Basin

We describe the findings of excavations at an unusual sanctuary in the Baraba forest-steppe. It is a structure consisting of a ditch encircling the presumed sacral space, and a system of pits containing non-utilitarian artifacts. Pits in the bottom of the ditch indicate wooden structures, which are not preserved. Descriptions of the features are provided. Artifacts are related to household, manufacturing, and ritual. On the basis of stratigraphy and radiocarbon analysis, relative and absolute chronology is assessed. The site dates to the 7th–6th millennia BC and is associated with the Barabinskaya culture. Parallels with Mesolithic and Neolithic sanctuaries and ritual sites in the Eurasian taiga zone are listed.

Long-term observation of the egg and chick size in the nests of Larus ichthyaetus in Lake Chany, Russia

This data set describes the long-term observation and morphological study of the eggs of the great black-headed gull Larus ichthyaetus in the gull nesting colonies on the islands of Lake Chany. Lake Chany is located in the Baraba forest-steppe of the West Siberian Plain, Russia, between the Ob and Irtish rivers. Lake Chany is protected by the Ramsar Convention on the Wetlands of International Importance, indicating that the lake is an important site for migratory birds, including L. ichthyaetus. This dataset contains the size and fate of all eggs, as well as the size of hatched chicks in 1164 observed L. ichthyaetus nests from 1993 to 2003.

СТРАТИГРАФИЯ И ДИНАМИКА АККУМУЛЯЦИИ ТОРФА И УГЛЕРОДА НА РЯМАХ БАРАБИНСКОЙ ЛЕСОСТЕПИ В ГОЛОЦЕНЕ (ЗАПАДНАЯ СИБИРЬ)

Detailed studies of the properties and dating (13 14C dates) of peat sections of the Sherstobitovo and Ubinskoe burnt ryams were carried out. The first data on the dynamics of peat and carbon accumulation in the oligotrophic bogs of the Baraba forest-steppe of West Siberia in the Holocene were obtained. The peat deposits of these sections, respectively, are mixed multilayer forest-swamp and high moor fuscum, 2.5 and 3.47 m thick, 5254 and 6472 cal. years ago, with total reserves of absolutely dry peat – 200 and 267 kg m–2 and carbon – 91 and 124 kg C m–2. The long-term peat accumulation rates are 37.6 and 40.9 g m–2 yr–1, carbon – 17.1 and 19.0 g C m–2 yr–1, the limits of variation of peat accumulation rates in various periods of bog formation are 14.2–78.8 and 14.8–59.0 g m–2 yr–1, carbon – 6.7–32.6 and 6.8–27.5 g C m–2 yr–1. The dependence of peat accumulation dynamics on the hydrothermal climate regimes of the second half of the Holocene, the genesis and age of sections, and the local conditions of their formation is revealed. The confirmed deposition of peats on lake sapropels and organomineral deposits of reed inundated plains occurred after periods of climate aridization. Significant differences between the subsequent dynamics of peat accumulation and presence and location of primary lakes in bog massifs were revealed.

Bronze-casting workshops of the Vengerovo-2 settlement (Baraba forest steppe)

The formation of the early bronze-casting production in Baraba and the appearance of products of the Seima-Turbino type were completed within the 3rd — early 2nd mil. BC — during the existence of the Krotovo Cul-ture. Plenty of work has been devoted to its characterization; the presence of bronze-casting on the sites has been noted, but special studies of this type of sources are extremely few. The purpose of this paper is to present the characteristics of the production areas associated with the processing of non-ferrous metals, based on mate-rials of the Vengerovo-2 settlement of the Krotovo Culture. Production sites were studied in six dwellings of the settlement. The uniformity of the workshops has been revealed in terms of site planning and principles of organi-zation of the production, although differences in scale have been noted. The use of two types of the forges has been recorded. In all these workshops and in other sites of the culture, a multifunctional sub-rectangular hearth buried in the ground with the walls and floor lined with fragments of ceramics or clay coating was found (with di-mensions of 1.65×0.87–2.3×0.9×0.21–0.52 m). The second type of the forges is less common — a small round or oval pit (0.4–0.5 m in diameter) with the bottom and walls lined with baked clay or fragments. The smelting was carried out with forced air supply. The casting of the metal was taking place next to the forge. Crushed bones were used as fuel. The production complex demonstrates extensive external economic and commercial ties. This is manifested by penetration of significant volumes of non-ferrous metal into the ore-barren areas of the Central Baraba, as well as by the presence of imported foundry equipment (molds made of marl and talc). The simultaneous presence inside the casters’ dwellings of bones of taiga-zone animals and those living in the southern, steppe regions indicates significant length of the supply routes. The specific features and unification of the production of the manufacturing equipment, nature of the work carried out, volume of heats, and a large number of similar-type forms suggest specialization of the village in the bronze casting production.

On a Distinctive Featureof the Andronovo (Fedorovka) Funerary Rites in the Baraba Forest-Steppe

This article summarizes the findings relating to a spatially localized group of graves at the Andronovo (Fedorovka) cemetery Tartas-1 in the Baraba forest-steppe. Several rows of graves combine with ash pits suggestive of ritual activity. In the infill of graves, there were ash lenses with mammal and fish bones, and potsherds with traces showing the signs of applied heat. Ash had been taken from nearby ash pits with similar infill and artifacts. Faunal remains from graves and ash pits (limb bones of cattle, sheep/goat, and horse) indicate sacrificial offerings. In the ash layer of grave No. 282, there was an incomplete human burial, also believed to be a sacrifice. Features such as the orientation of the graves, their alignment, the position of human remains, and the grave goods in that area are similar to the Andronovo (Fedorovka) burial practice and do not differ from those in other parts of the cemetery. No complete parallels to this rite have been revealed. Some similarities, such as the use of ash, and the presence of animal bones, sacrificial pits, etc. at other sites are listed. A reconstruction of the funerary sequence and possible interpretations are considered. It is concluded that those graves were left by a group of Andronovo migrants who maintained close ties with the native population. Unusual features of the burial rite, therefore, can reflect an attempt to consolidate the immigrant groups on the basis of traditional ritual practices, where the major role was played by fire and its symbols.

The Peopling of the Baraba Forest-Steppe in the Neolithic: Cranial Evidence

On the basis of statistical analysis of craniometric data relating to Mesolithic and Neolithic samples from northern Eurasia, we discuss the peopling of the Baraba forest-steppe in the Early Holocene. This region is represented by samples from Sopka-2/1 (early sixth millennium BC), Protoka (late fifth to early fourth millennia BC), Korchugan (early-mid sixth millennium BC), and Vengerovo-2A (late sixth millennium BC). The results of the principal component analysis are interpreted in the context of debates over the role of autochthonous traditions in the Neolithic. During the Preboreal period (10 ka BP), large parts of the Baraba forest-steppe were flooded by the transgression of lake systems during climatic warming. This may have caused depopulation, lasting for at least a millennium. The Early Holocene people of Baraba were an offshoot of Meso-Neolithic populations of the northwestern Russian Plain. On that basis, the Early Neolithic populations of Baraba were formed. Direct population continuity is traceable only through the Chalcolithic. Since the late sixth millennium BC, however, the local population had incorporated migrants from the Pit-Comb Ware area in the central Russian Plain and, indirectly (via the Neolithic Altai), from the Cis-Baikal area.

Новый этап палеогенетического исследования носителей одиновской культуры (Барабинская лесостепь): первые результаты

A new stage in the paleogenetic study of the Odino culture populations includes the analysis of a series of paleoanthropological samples from four Odino burial grounds: Sopka-2/4a, Ust-Tartas-2, Tartas-1, and Preobrazhenka-6. The total number of the expanded Odino series includes more than 200 paleoanthropological samples (individuals). The research plan includes a significant increase in the number of mtDNA samples (up to ~150 samples) and obtaining data on the male genetic variability of the Odino population (~50 samples of the Y chromosome). In this paper, we present the results of the analysis of an extended mtDNA sample series from the Sopka-2/4a burial ground. The study covers paleoanthropological samples from 88 individuals. The structure of mtDNA lineages and their phylogenetic position were defined for 60 individuals (~68 % of the initial sample). Twenty mtDNA haplotypes were identified among the studied samples. The Odino population is characterized by a mixed composition of the mtDNA gene pool, represented by the East Eurasian (A8, A10, C, D, Z) and West Eurasian (U2e, U4. K, HV6, I) haplogroups. New data confirmed the previously obtained preliminary inferences about the dominance of the East Eurasian components in the gene pool and the high role of autochthonous components marking genetic continuity with the previous population groups in the region (A10, D, Z, U2e haplogroups) in the process of formation of the Odino population. At the same time, new components associated with the influx of a genetically contrasting population (K, HV6 haplogroups) into the Baraba forest-steppe were identified in the extended mtDNA series. Obviously, the interaction of autochthonous and migration-related genetic components, most likely, was the mechanism for the formation of genetic features of the Odino population. New genetic data are discussed here in the context of current data on directions of external cultural relations of the Odino population from the Baraba forest-steppe.

СТРАТИГРАФИЧЕСКИЕ НАБЛЮДЕНИЯ НА НЕОЛИТИЧЕСКОЙ СТОЯНКЕ ТАРТАС-1 (БАРАБИНСКАЯ ЛЕСОСТЕПЬ). ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ЗАХОРОНЕНИЙ, ПЕРЕРЕЗАЮЩИХ РАННИЙ КУЛЬТУРНЫЙ СЛОЙ ПАМЯТНИКА

Burial complexes dating back from the Neolithic era to the early-developed Bronze Age have been analyzed. The complexes were revealed at the Early Neolithic site of the Tartas-1 area in the Baraba forest-steppe. The site is represented by two housing buildings and a set of special pits intended for fish fermentation. The peculiar dishes, stone and bone tools, as well as the ritual burials of animals (treasure troves/offerings), made it possible to speak about a previously unknown culture of the Neolithic era called the Baraba Neolithic culture. The necropolises of various chronological periods were periodically constructed in the settlement area. The primary aim of the study was to compile the most complete summary of these burials showing the relative chronology of these objects. The Neolithic burial is the earliest. According to the radiocarbon dating, it dates back to the middle of the 5th millennium BC. This date is much later than the set of early dates received at the Neolithic site, the layer of which the burial cuts. The specificity of the burial practice does not allow making direct analogies with the famous Neolithic burial grounds. This may indicate the future identification of a special cultural and chronological layer, which may have occurred in the Neolithic era of this region. One burial is related to the early-developed Bronze Age (the Odinov culture), as evidenced by the specifics of the burial practice and the inventory. The relative chronology of this burial is clearly emphasized by the fact that the grave was cut by the burial of the Andronovo (Fedorovo) culture. The remaining 18 burials belong to the Andronovo (Fedorovo) culture. Two funeral complexes belong to the same period. Two rows of graves are traced; they are located along the edge of the terrace, parallel to each other. Two funeral complexes, in which the grave was surrounded by an intermittent ring-shaped ditch, are integrated in the upper row system. A distinctive feature of this area of the Andronovo cemetery is the presence of children’s and adults’ graves at the same time. Children’s burials are not planographically differentiated. There are both single and collective tombs. The accompanying inventory found in the graves is common to the Andronovo (Fedorovo) complexes; these are ceramic vessels, bronze cast biconical beads, temple rings, sewn plaques, as well as drilled astragali. The investigated funeral complexes include 20 burials and architectural structures (ditches) accompanying individual burials. To varying degrees, these complexes cut the cultural layer of the Neolithic site and have a later chronological position.

Литейная форма для производства проушного бронзового топора позднекротовской (черноозерской) культуры

This article presents a ceramic casting mold for producing socketed bronze axe, found in the burial of the Late Krotovo (Cherno-Ozerye) caster at the Sopka-2/5 burial ground located in the Baraba forest-steppe. The mold included the fragments of two halves, aligned along the dividing line. A part of working chamber with cavities for fastening the core has survived. The mold was made of a mixture of clay, fine calibrated sand, and organic matter. The axe had an L-shape, rhomboid crosssection of the working part, and round socket with straight upper edge. The working chamber shows traces of thermal impact from repeated use. It could have become destroyed during its use and was placed in the grave as a replacement for a whole object, as a necessary tool of a caster. This type of axe is considered to be imported for the Late Krotovo (Cherno-Ozerye) culture, manifesting the Andronovo (Fedorovo) influence. Thus, socketed axes which significantly changed the capacity of the syncretic culture, should be added to previously identified set of bronze objects introduced into autochthonous Krotovo environment by the carriers of the Andronovo (Fedorovo) culture, who migrated from the west. This set also includes daggers of the Srubno-Andronovo type and bracelets with spiral ends. In the meantime, a casting mold for producing axes from the Late Krotovo burial is indisputable proof that such axes were manufactured by the local casters. There was a large amount of metal implements accompanying the deceased caster, and the presence of weapons (dagger and celt axe) indicated his privileged position. Apparently, the Late Krotovo (Cherno-Ozerye) society had a large property differentiation, and casters might have had a special status.

Заселение Барабинской лесостепи в эпоху неолита по антропологическим данным

В статье на основе сравнительного статистического анализа краниометрических данных рассматривается проблема заселения Барабинской лесостепи в раннем голоцене. Использованы материалы эпох мезолита и неолита из погребальных комплексов Северной Евразии. Барабинский регион представляют результаты измерений черепов из могильников Сопка-2/1 (первая половина VI тыс. до н.э.), Протока (вторая половина V- первая половина IV тыс. до н.э.), Корчуган (вторая четверть — середина VI тыс. до н.э.) и Венгерово-2А (конец VI тыс. до н.э.). Применен метод главных компонент. Результаты статистического анализа интерпретированы в контексте дискуссии о роли автохтонных традиций на этапах формирования культурных образований неолитического уровня развития. Значительные участки Барабинской лесостепи были затоплены в период пребореала (10 тыс. л.н.) вследствие трансгрессии озерных систем при потеплении климата. Возможно, это событие стало причиной переселения людей в другие районы как минимум на одно тысячелетие. Проведенный анализ показал, что заселение территории в раннем голоцене было инициировано в среде носителей мезо-неолитических культур северо-западного района Восточно-Европейской равнины. На их антропологической основе формировались ранние неолитические популяции Барабы. Этот морфологический субстрат может рассматриваться как автохтонный только по отношению к популяциям эпохи раннего металла. Установлено, что со второй половины VI тыс. до н.э. антропологический состав населения Барабинской лесостепи усложнялся за счет носителей культуры ямочно-гребенчатой керамики из центральной части Восточно-Европейской равнины и опосредованного влияния (через неолитические популяции Алтая) населения Прибайкалья.

Могильник Могильно-Старожильское V в Омском Прииртышье как источник по этнокультурной истории региона

This article presents the results of research at the burial ground near the village of Mogilno-Starozhilskoe in Bolsherechensky District of Omsk Region. Five mounds have been studied. Four mounds contained burials according to inhumation rite, and fifth mound was a ritual complex which the authors connected with funeral traditions of the population which created the site. The article describes the complexes and collections, as well as elements of the funeral rites. Four adult and one child burial have been studied. The deceased were buried in subrectangular pits in extended position on their backs with heads directed to the southwest. In one case, a structure above the grave - a logwork of five layers in the form of truncated pyramid - has been discovered. The accompanying inventory included elements of horse harness, knife, beads, plaques, and fragment of a round mirror made of white bronze. Several objects with traces of ritual (?) feasts, large vessel containing food remains, and the buried severed head and neck of a dog, which the authors interpret as signs of animal sacrifice, have been discovered under the mound of large ritual complex. All adult burials had been destroyed, most likely for ritual purposes. The analysis of the collection and elements of the funeral rite made it possible to date this site to the 14th-15th centuries and connect it with the nomadic Turkic-speaking population of the Irtysh forest steppe, closely related to the Turks of the Baraba forest steppe. The Mogilno-Starozhilskoe V burial ground represents a rich source of information for studying sophisticated ethnic and cultural processes in the forest steppe in the Late Middle Ages. The research data will be used for further study of ethnographic archaeological complexes expanding our knowledge of ethnic history and culture of the indigenous population which lived in Western Siberia.

Foundries at Stary Tartas-5—an Early Bronze Age Site in the Baraba Forest-Steppe

This study focuses on areas evidencing bronze casting at the Odino culture site, Stary Tartas-5, in the Baraba foreststeppe. One such area is within dwelling 1 and has a smelting hearth and pits situated nearby; the other, outside the dwelling, has a smelting kiln. We provide characteristics of these areas and their archaeological context. Each artifact from the foundries is described in detail, parallels are listed, and results of binocular microscopy of the molding compound are outlined. Based on findings of thermogravimetric studies, we assess the functions of technical pottery represented by fragments, and the number of times various items of the casting set could have been used. Previously, crucibles shaped as straight-walled jars have not been found at Odino sites, with the exception of a single intact specimen from burial 286 at the Tartas-1 cemetery. Dwelling 1 at Tartas-5 and the workshop associated with it were apparently parts of a single household. The Odino bronze casting tradition was retained by the Krotovo population, who supplemented it with innovations, such as the use of oval cups with thicker bottoms adapted to their own casting practices. The Odino sites in the Baraba forest-steppe date to the first half of the third millennium BC. It is concluded that the evidence of the bronze casting industry found at Stary Tartas-5 is the earliest in that region, and that its level in the Odino culture was high.

Late Bronze Age Smelting and Processing Furnaces of the Eastern Variant of the Pakhomovskaya Culture in the Baraba Forest-Steppe

We describe smelting furnaces found in southwestern Siberia, at the Tartas-1 ritual site, representing the eastern variant of the Pakhomovskaya culture. This is so far the only known site where the ritual complex, which includes post holes, and utility and ritual pits, adjoins a special manufacturing area with furnaces for smelting copper ore and processing bronze. The pits, differing in form, depth, and size, belonged to a structure. Furnaces are of two types: deep ones, dug into virgin soil, and shallow ones with domes. The former were destined for smelting ore, and the latter for processing metal. The construction of both types is described in detail. The smelting furnaces are peculiar and have no direct parallels in the Late Bronze Age settlements and sanctuaries of southwestern Siberia, while being somewhat similar to smelting furnaces of the Early Iron Age Itkul culture of the Trans-Urals. Furnaces of the second type resemble those of the local Late Irmen culture. Apparently, in the Baraba forest-steppe, where no copper ore outcrops are available, the ritual complexes included furnaces destined for both smelting ore and processing metal. The bronze metallurgy in the region may have been introduced by immigrants practicing both copper ore smelting and metal processing.