Shapes of clay vessels from the Pazyryk burials on the Lower Katun from the standpoint of the historical and cultural approach

The shapes and size of 58 vessels from the Pazyryk cemeteries on the Lower Katun (Tytkesken-VI, Verkh-Yelanda-II, Bike-III, Bike-I, and Kaindu) were analyzed based on the historical and cultural approach. This analysis identified two widespread categories of the vessels with regard to the general proportions of the shapes (medium and medium/tall) and determined a widespread type of the shape natural structure (LIP + NECK + PRE-SHOULDER + BODY + BODY BASE). In terms of the volume, the size of the vessels is mostly medium/small, medium and medium/large. The vessels of medium proportions are notable for the greatest diversity of their forms and volumes; the vessels of medium/tall proportions are more uniform, as to their shape and size. The comparison of the data obtained with the classifications of the Pazyryk ceramics proposed by V. D. Kubarev and N. F. Stepanova demonstrated a larger number of types among the transitional variants of overall proportions. This fact may reflect processes of mingling of individuals related with various cultural traditions and massive production of vessels of imitated shapes.