Archaeology of the Russian village of Ananyino: new discoveries

Systematic archaeological study of the Russian village of Ananyino, founded in the early 17th century, has been continuing for fourteen years. During this period, 2740 m2 were studied at the settlement; eight dwelling complexes were excavated, and a representative collection of various finds was obtained. Field research in 2022 involved another dwelling which was a part of planigraphy at the site and provided a large number of finds, including unique objects unknown from the village archeology of the Tara Irtysh region. Traditional inventory complex is associated with main aspects of life support system of the village population, and includes dwelling complexes, house building, food system, and clothing. The dwelling complex studied in 2022 was a single-storey log house with collapsed stove, porch, and remains of flooring inside. Chinese smoking pipe of faience was found under the floor. The discovered tools were associated with house building. Numerous osteological evidence, pottery, and fishing and hunting equipment testify to food procurement system. In addition to pottery as a part of dining utensils, an iron spoon - high status object for the 17th-18th centuries - was discovered. Clothing finds were represented by details of leather shoes, buttons of different varieties, cufflinks, and part of silver belt buckle. Jewelry finds included rings, beads, details of pendants, and earrings. A number of finds, such as games and toys was related to everyday culture and customs among the villagers. A unique find was a bone chess piece of distinctive shape, which was the first find related to chess at a rural site. Rare toys included glass balls; traditional toys included knucklebones and clay game tokens. Some habits of the inhabitants were revealed by smoking pipes of ceramic, probably of the 17th century, and unique pipe of Chinese faience. Different types of coins date the excavated house to the late 17th- mid 18th century. The material evidence has made it possible to reconstruct the living standards and social status among the representatives of the rural population.