Remains of production structures in the north of the Upper ob River region (Tashara-3): towards the problem of ancient tar production

This article analyzes Medieval production ground structures at the Tashara 3 site located on the right bank of the Ob River (on the border of Tomsk and Novosibirsk Regions). These archaeological objects were excavated by E.M. Evteeva and V.A. Sumin in 1994 (270 sq. m). In terms of morphological, stratigraphic, and planigraphic features, the archaeological structures represent funnel-shape pits partly covered by redeposited soil. Calcined spots and remains of charred wooden structural elements were found in the upper part ofpits 'filling. The main component of filling was ashy layer. The sizes of the structures were 3.14-3.4 x 2.94 x 1.1-1.8 m. Additional small pits remaining from a canopy-like structure were found near the larger pits. Finds in the pits are rare. However, pottery fragments have made it possible to attribute structures 1 and 2 to the Middle-Late Upper Ob culture (6th - 9th centuries AD). General description of dry wood pyrolysis and earliest methods of tar production in pits, which are known from historical and technological literature, as well as comparative archaeological evidence on structures 1 and 2 at the Tashara-3 site are provided. The hypothesis on the use of these structures as pits for producing tar of coniferous wood species is suggested. The resulting products could have been in demand among the local Medieval population of the Upper Ob culture for veterinary and medicinal purposes, exchange, and for ensuring land and river communications which, according to various sources, ran in the northern part of the Upper Ob River basin.