Sex and age composition of horses from burial grounds of the Early Iron age in the Altai

This article analyzes the dental system of horses from the “elite” and “ordinary” burials of the Scythian period which were found in the northwestern (18 animals) and southeastern (20 animals) Altai. The sex of the horses was identified by the presence (in male animals) or absence (in female animals) of canine teeth. The age of the animals was established from the degree of wear in the incisors. It was discovered that only male horses were used in the funeral rite. It was not possible to determine the presence of geldings among male horses. Three age groups occurred at burial grounds: semi-adult horses (2-5 years of age), adult horses (from 5 to about 15 years of age), and old horses (over 15 years of age). Their age composition differed at the burial grounds of the northwestern and southeastern Altai. There were no semi-adult horses at the burial grounds of the southeastern Altai, but only adults and predominantly old animals. The burial grounds of the northwestern Altai included semi-adult, predominantly adult, and old horses. Age composition of horses in the burials of different social groups (“elite” and “ordinary”) varied in both regions. Only semi-adult horses were present in the “elite” burial in the northwestern Altai, whereas all age groups occurred in “ordinary” burials. Age composition of horses from the “elite” and “ordinary” burials at burial grounds of the southeastern Altai did not differ. The “diversity” of age composition of horses at the burial grounds of the northwestern Altai was higher than in the southeastern Altai. These differences in age composition of horses at the burial grounds of two regions do not yet have an explanation. Skeletons of male animals have been found at all burial grounds of the Scythian culture in the Altai.