New data on the archaeology of the Middle Transurals (based on the materials of the site Koksharovo I)

The article presents previously unknown materials of the Stone and Bronze Ages from the site of Koksharovo I, which was excavated by V.F. Starkov in 1966 and 1968. The site contains mixed complexes of all epochs from the Mesolithic to the Early Iron Age. The Mesolithic, Neolithic and Early Iron epochs are represented by an insignificant admixture, which makes up about 5% of the entire complex. The remaining materials belong to the Eneolithic (about 80%) and the Late Bronze Age (about 15%). The analysis of stone products was carried out using statistical-typological, traceological and mineralogical methods. The uniqueness of the site is given by two “burials” investigated by V.F. Starkov, performed according to a previously unknown rite; but the current level of knowledge suggests that these “burial structures” are not burials, but a kind of cult complexes. The inhabitants of the site used a variety of mineral raw materials (over 20 names) obtained from local sources.