Excavations at the northern part of the Tartas-1 burial ground

This article presents the results of the 2021-2022 field seasons at the Tartas-1 site of different chronological periods. By now, over 810 burials and numerous objects associated with burial practices of various periods and cultures, cultic complexes of the Pakhomovo culture, and Neolithic site have been studied there. Two most recent field seasons mainly focused on the northern area of the site predominantly occupied by burial and commemorative complexes of the Andronovo (Fedorovo) culture. Some distinctive features in organization of sacred space have been identified. The grave pits were surrounded by open ditches and were accompanied by ritual pits. Two complexes (47 and 50) turned out to be interconnected. According to stratigraphic and planigraphic observations, first, complex 47 was built and complex 50 was subsequently added to it. Structural features of these objects and burial inventory from a grave in complex 50 (bronze beads and earring, fragments of a ceramic vessel) make it possible to attribute these objects to the Andronovo (Fedorovo) culture. Burials 798 and 800, located outside the funeral and ritual complexes, were attributed to the same culture. A clearer planigraphy of complexes can be observed as one moves from the central part of the burial ground to its northwestern periphery (increased diameter of ditches, more regular shapes, and more sophisticated structural features). It was also possible to identify the remains of earth embankments leveled by plowing in the rest of the site. A series of decorated Andronovo vessels with specific rows of large pit stamps on the body was also discovered there. This decoration is common for the taiga circle of cultures (for example, it appears on the pottery of the Kulegan type and on the early Suzgun vessels), and was found on the pottery of the Odino culture. The occurrence of this ornamental motif in the Andronovo (Fedorovo) culture should be associated with contacts of the local Andronovo (Fedorovo) population with its northern neighbors.