The sculptures of the pre-scythian period from Kabardino-Pyatigorye

The paper reviews the archeological discoveries of unique anthropomorphic sculptures of the pre-Scythian period (deer stones) on the territory of Kabardino-Pyatigorye (interfluve of Kuma and Baksan) which are introduced to some extent. The author specifies the circumstances of discovering the 7th-8th-centuries BC steles there and complements their collection by new and little-known finds. The territory of distribution, number and characteristics of stone statues of the pre-Scythian period found in Kabardino-Pyatigorye are determined. Besides, the research notes the chronological problems, cultural background and other relevant issues of studying local deer stones. The author concludes that a high concentration of stone sculptures of the pre-Scythian period in the region under study confirms the assumption of N.L. Chlenova about the identity of the historical Cimmerians and the Kamennomost-Berezovka culture of Kabardino-Pyatigorye. The existence of sculptures of the early Iron Age in the mountains of the Central Ciscaucasia (Elbrus region, Digoria Depression) can indicate the use of native highland pastures by the Kamennomost-Berezovka and Zmeiskaya-Rutkha cultures. The sanctuaries that still have functioned in the Scythian period can be found there as well.