Shapes of vessels of the Andronovo (Fedorovo) culture of the steppe and forest-steppe Altai (research review)

The article examines research approaches to the study of vessel shapes of the Andronovo (Fedorovo) culture in the Altai steppe and forest-steppe regions. The aim of the study is to systematize existing classifications and methods of ceramic analysis in order to develop a unified methodology for analyzing vessel shapes. The historiographical review covers key cases from the 1930s, including the works by S.M. Sergeev, M.P. Gryaznov, S.V. Kiselev, and others. E.E. Kuzmina and V.I. Matyushchenko used similar parameters pottery classification: the maximum width of the vessel (upper third, middle, or lower third parts); the curvature of the neck; the diameter of the base; the curvature of the rim; and the ratio of height to maximum diameter. Many Altai researchers (Y.F. Kiryushin, S.Y. Luzin, and others) classify pots based on the degree of rim curvature and the prominence of the neck and shoulder into classes of various curvature levels, while jars are classified into open and closed types. Special attention is given to studies based on V.F. Gening methodology, which applies statistical methods to analyses of linear dimensions of vessels. Much of the research based on this methodology is based on pottery collections from Baraba forest-steppe. The article also addresses A.A. Bobrinsky historical-cultural approach correlating the shape of vessels to potter's skills and labor techniques. Unlike previous studies, this approach is focused on identification of various groups of ancient population and the chronological changes in the population rather than on establishing typology and classification of ceramics. The article presents the results of applying this methodology to materials from the related Alakul culture in Southern Trans-Urals, and the prospects for the application of these methods to the analysis of vessels from the Andronovo (Fedorovo) culture in the steppe and forest-steppe regions of Altai.