Archaeology, Ethnology & Anthropology of Eurasia @journal-aeae-en
Journal articles - Archaeology, Ethnology & Anthropology of Eurasia
All articles: 584
Scientific article
This article, based on new data from comprehensive studies of assemblage from Okladnikov Cave layer 2, explores the variability of Middle Paleolithic Sibiryachikha variant of the Altai Mountains. Using methods such as scar pattern analysis, experimental use-wear analysis, attributive analysis, etc., we specify the characteristics of the assemblage by extending the nomenclature of technical fl akes relating to radial fl aking, evaluating the share of the bifacial component including bifaces, their fragments, and bifacial technical fl akes, revising the typology of the tools. The Sibiryachikha assemblage of Chagyrskaya Cave layer 6c/1 is correlated with that of Okladnikov Cave layers 1 and 2, revealing not only common features but also differences in primary and secondary reduction. At Okladnikov Cave, unlike Chagyrskaya, the reduction cycle is incomplete, the tools are smaller, and the share of convergent scrapers and chips resulting from the processing of bifaces is higher. We conclude that the distinctive feature of Okladnikov industry is a considerably more intense modifi cation of raw materials owing to their less availability. Because Okladnikov Cave is situated in the immediate vicinity of the sources of raw material, implying its abundance, we suggest that pebbles of suitable quality and size were less available. As a result, rejuvenation of lithic tools was more intense, and bifacial thinning fl akes were used as tool blanks. The Okladnikov Cave industry reveals the complex behavioral models, previously unknown, among eastern Neanderthals, which do not rule out the import of bifacial tools or blanks made of high-quality raw material.
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Scientific article
Primary reduction techniques used at the site of Kara-Bom in the Altai Mountains, are analyzed using the refi tting method. In previous studies, the Kara-Bom assemblages provided the basis for reconstructing the evolution of lithic industries in the Altai Mountains over most of the Middle Paleolithic and at the early stages of the Upper Paleolithic (ca 60–30 ka BP). Under the new stratigraphic subdivision of Kara-Bom, four habitation stages are described. The refi tting of artifacts from the Middle Paleolithic (MP2) layer indicates Levallois unidirectional convergent fl aking aimed at producing points and blades as a co-product of reduction sequences. Based on cores and groups of spalls from the Upper Paleolithic layers UP2 and UP1, the variation of Upper Paleolithic reduction techniques is reconstructed and a conclusion is made that signifi cant changes in core reduction occurred: the Middle Paleolithic (Levallois) fl at unidirectional technique gave way to bidirectional volumetric subprismatic and prismatic reduction of the Upper Paleolithic type. The Kara-Bom assemblages appear to have been stable variants of blade technology aimed at producing large and medium-sized blades as well as reduction of narrow-faced cores aimed at producing bladelets. The comparison of Kara-Bom with contemporaneous industries of northern and eastern Central Asia suggests that the earliest Upper Paleolithic assemblages (before 35 ka BP) show a marked predominance of the Kara-Bom-type reduction techniques.
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Vengerovo-2-A Krotovo culture site in the Baraba forest-steppe: an archaeozoological study
Scientific article
This study addresses faunal remains from Vengerovo-2 in the Baraba forest-steppe—a Bronze Age site associated with the Krotovo culture. We describe the origin of the sample, the distribution of bones in the living space, the species and skeletal parts represented, and the age of the animals. The sample consists of small fragments, which are likely butchering and kitchen waste, as well as the leftovers of production and rituals. Bones of domesticated animals are more frequent (62 %) than those of wild ones. Skeletal parts from utility pits (pelvic bones, ribs, and appendicular bones) differ from those found in production areas—mandibles, crania, and entire skeletons. Presumably, pits contained food, and production areas were places where work was accompanied by rituals. The reconstructed animal breeding system indicates its domestic nature, centered on sheep and goats, with a small number of horses and cattle. Hunting large prey (elk and roe deer) was important, and the same is true about fur animals (fox and marten) and waterfowl. The procurement of peltry, hides, and leather were principal occupations. Bone tools were made mostly from elk bones. Results of correlation analysis suggest that in terms of composition, the faunal sample was largely similar to those from contemporaneous Krotovo and Yelunino sites.
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Article
This article presents 44 radiocarbon dates from 18 water wells of different Bronze Age periods at Kamennyi Ambar settlement, in the southern Trans-Urals. At the preliminary stage, statistical outliers were identifi ed, which enhanced the reliability of the conclusions. Potsherds from the fi lling of the wells, contextual analysis of dating samples, and 14C dates allowed us to carry out the cultural attribution of nearly all wells (31 out of 34). The analyzed wells were subdivided into four chronostratigraphic groups corresponding to various settlement phases. Their duration and chronological limits were estimated. Most wells were found to belong to the Sintashta-Petrovka period (densely spaced linearly arranged blocks of structures inside fortifi ed areas). This period comprised three construction phases, the latest of which correlates with the Petrovka ceramics. The second period, marked by randomly arranged structures, is associated with the Srubnaya-Alakul artifacts, and is represented by only four wells. The simulation results suggest that the site existed for less than one and a half centuries, including a short chronological gap between the two periods. The Sintashta (phases 1 and 2) and Petrovka (phase 3) were two consecutive traditions, which may have overlapped during the late period. In the Srubnaya-Alakul period (phase 4), a transformation of the architectural tradition took place, and the layout and construction of the wells changed too.
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Review article
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Scientific article
My article in the previous issue, based on findings of archaeological excavations of Paleolithic sites in the Altai, primarily in Denisova Cave, as well as facts concerning the time of origin of Neanderthal anatomy and genetics in Europe, challenged the view, based on the genetic analysis of the Altaian Neanderthals, that they had migrated to the Altai before 175 ka BP and occupied Denisova Cave by turns with Denisovans. In fact, the Neanderthal occupation of the Altai began apparently no earlier than 60 ka BP. Thus far, Neanderthal fossils with a Micoquian Mousteroid industry have been found in three caves: Chagyrskaya, Okladnikov, and Strashnaya. This group of Neanderthals, evidencing the easternmost dispersal wave of those humans in Asia, was termed the Chagyrskaya group.
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Wooden Paddles from the Nizhny Tagil Museum-Reserve of Mining and Metallurgy in the Urals
Scientific article
This article describes Early Metal Age wooden paddles from the Gorbunovo peat bog, kept by the Nizhny Tagil Museum-Reserve of Mining and Metallurgy in the Urals. Their morphology and manufacturing technology are analyzed. The archaeological context and new AMS-dates are introduced. This sample of early wooden paddles is the largest and the most representative in the world. The specimens are very standardized with regard to general proportions, shape of the blade and handle, and decoration of the handle. A distinctive feature of this sample is that the handle of certain specimens is composite. A comprehensive traceological and technological analysis of the paddles has revealed several aspects of their manufacture, and xylotomy has provided information about the species of wood (pine, cedar, and spruce). On the basis of the processing traces, a tentative toolkit was reconstructed. The paddles generally fall in two categories: most are one-piece, and a few are composite. During the Early Metal Age, woodworking was probably a traditional craft in the Trans-Urals, showing a number of customary techniques.
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Woven, knitted, and wattled 17th–18th century textiles from Tara fortress, Western Siberia
Review article
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Scientific article
We analyze the archaeological evidence of the deliberate placement of valuables («caches») in mammoth skulls at sites of the Eastern Gravettian Kostenki-Avdeyevo culture (Zaraysk A, E, F, and Kostenki 1 layer I). Six such finds are examined, specifically their spatial arrangement, stratigraphic context, and composition. Special attention is paid to the connection of «caches» with living structures (semi-subterranean dwellings) and ritual complexes, as evidenced by the presence of ocher, specific placement of artifacts, etc. A classification of «caches» is suggested: lost (accidentally left), returnable (intended for subsequent retrieval), and irretrievable (ritual sacrifices). The composition of such complexes is diverse. A «special» cache at Zaraysk E contained 24 artifacts including Kostenki knives, placed in the alveolus of a mammoth skull; at Kostenki 1, a spatula made of a rib with a figured top had been hidden in the skull. Notably, the tradition of using mammoth skulls for storing valuables has been traced over a long period of time at sites of the Upper Paleolithic Kostenki-Avdeyevo archaeological culture belonging to the Eastern Gravettian. It was practiced on the Russian Plain even after the LGM at sites of the Anosovo-Mezin type, representing another cultural tradition. Our findings indicate a complex interaction of utilitarian and symbolic practices among ancient hunters, expanding our knowledge of their worldview.
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“Angular” and “Trestle” Forts in 17th to Early 18th Century Russia
Scientific article
Written sources of the 17th century mention “kosoi” (angular or slanted) forts. F.F. Laskovsky of the Engineer Corps interpreted this term as referring to forts with walls made from inclined logs (palisades). This idea was generally accepted by the scholarly community. The architect S.N. Balandin, without offering any proof, claimed that the “kozelchaty” forts (from “kozly”, trestle supports) were a subtype of “kosoi” (angular) forts. The purpose of the present study is to test the conclusions of Laskovsky and Balandin using new evidence. As it turns out, neither the written nor archaeological sources support these versions. In fact, there is enough information to disprove both. The meaning of the word “kosoi” in the 17th–19th century Russian language suggests four hypotheses regarding the structure of walls of “angular” forts. Comparison of them reveals that the term “angular” referred to fortifications with nonstraight walls, those joining not at a right angle, as well as those that were triangular in plan view. The specific layout of “kozelchaty” forts cannot be determined due to the lack of evidence. Probably their walls actually rested on trestle supports—two supports made of two or three logs each, on which a horizontal log was placed. Such forts were common mostly in northeast Asia, where forests were scarce, and the ground was frozen or rocky, preventing people from digging ditches for log palisade walls.
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