Archaeology of bronze age Kansk-Rybinsk basin (modern stage of problem)

The paper published the results of analysis of the archaeological collections of the Bronze Age in the Kansk-Rybinsk basin, from field work 1972–2001 by the archaeologists from Irkutsk State University. The heterogeneity of the material assemblages and the conditions of the stratigraphy allowed distinguishing two chronological stages. Early Bronze Age was dated by 4000–5000 years ago and characterized by the coexistence in this area the population of the Neolithic with the bronze cultures of Yakutia and Cis-Baikal regions. Complexes of the Late Bronze Age was dated 3500–2800 years ago. It is represented by the Krasnoyarsk culture, which is characterized by a continuation of the traditions of the Neolithic pottery production and at the same time mastering the smelting of copper products. During the Bronze Age economic structure of the population remains unchanged and develop within the framework of foraging economy of hunter-gatherers. Two Bronze Age burials are known in the Kansk-Rybinsk basin. It is found in the cultural layer of the settlement. Their common feature are absence of gravestones constructions location of the buried in a stretched position and the head is oriented upstream.