Historical dynamics of funeral rites practiced by the population of the Mologa-Sheksna interfluvein the first millennium ad(experience in application of the bioarchaeological approach to the studies of cremation remains)

The study of cremation remains is a relevant area of research, which hasbeen developing on the basis of new methodological approaches applied. Cremationsfrom 18 cemeteries dating to the first millennium AD, which were investigated inthe Mologa Sheksna interfluve, were examined. Three basic elements of the funeral rite,which reflect cultural and chronological dynamics of stability or variability of burialtraditions, were identified by bioarchaeological methods. The data obtained provided aninsight into traits of the funeral rite practiced by the local population and helped identifynew traditions linked to the arrival of new population groups, which developed startingfrom mid-1st mill. AD