Animal bones in the Volga-Don Babino graves as cultural and chronological indicators and markers of the economic model

The paper is devoted to characterization and analysis of «animal bones» as an attribute of the funerary rite of the Volga-Don Babino culture (XXII–XX cc. cal BC). Their location in the grave and their anatomical composition are reliable cultural and chronological indicators. Placement of goats and sheep extremity bones, cattle extremity bones and goats/sheep and cattle extremity bones is a signature characteristic of this culture. As a rule, the bones were placed in front of the deceased near the left arm. The analysis of proportions and distribution of the graves with sheep/goat bones and the graves with cattle bones gives insight into the economic model of the Volga-Don Babino populations