New rock sanctuaries of Shaitanskoe lake

Shaitanskoe Lake is widely known for its cultic sites - burials, burial-sacrificial objects and treasures. The most interesting sites are those which are located rather low on granite boulders. It is these places where the unusual complexes with copper castings and human sacrifice were found. All cultic places are situated along the shore line of modern lake. The discovery of new complexes, which are situated on granite rocks and islands in the frames of the ancient boarders of Shaitanskoe Lake, was made due to the widening of the exploration area. Cultic places could be recognized by unusual rock natural objects, which looked like figures of animals, stone box and circle and original «altar» made from flat stones which were put on edge. These materials enlarge unusual cultic complexes of Shaitanskoe Lake and prove the fact of wide usage of natural rock objects for cultic purposes from Mesolithic to Middle Ages. New sites have some specific features. Firstly, these are the only complexes where the materials of the late Middle Ages were found. Secondly, the sites are situated closer to the marsh edge rather than to the open water. The findings of new materials confirm the author's suggestion that in ancient times this lake had high semeiotic status and was sacred for native population [Serikov, 2009].