- Laboratory of Archeology, Paleoecology and the Subsistence Strategies of the Peoples of Northern Asia, Irkutsk State Technical University, 83, Lermontov Str., Irkutsk, 664074, Russia
- +79149002144
- • Professor of the Department of History and Philosophy, Irkutsk State Technical University (2003--Present) • D... more• Professor of the Department of History and Philosophy, Irkutsk State Technical University (2003--Present)
• Dean of the Faculty of Law, Sociology and Mass-Media, Irkutsk State Technical University (2003-2011) (as Professor, teaches archaeology, cultural anthropology, and ethnography / leads archaeological field research during the summers)
• Director, Laboratory of Archaeology, Irkutsk State Technical University (2003-Present)
• Director of the Center of Humanitarian Education (and Professor), Irkutsk State Technical University (2002-2003)
• Assistant Professor / Research Archaeologist, Irkutsk State Technical University (1997-2002)edit - Svinin V.V., Medvedev G.I.edit
The article analyzes of the results of studies, condacted in 1997–2000 by archaeologists in the Egiin Gol river valley, northern Mongolia. The findings of 3 burial grounds, where burials of the XIII–XIV centuries were excavated, were... more
The article analyzes of the results of studies, condacted in 1997–2000 by archaeologists in the Egiin Gol river valley, northern Mongolia. The findings of 3 burial grounds, where burials of the XIII–XIV centuries were excavated, were examined – Mukhdagiin am, Kholtost nuga and Elst hotol. Based on the characteristics of the funeral rite, 4 groups of burials have been identified. The first included 9 graves from the necropolises of Elst hotol and Kholtost nuga. Corpses in them were placed without additional intra-grave structures. They were laid on their backs. The body was oriented with the head facing northwest, north, northeast or east. A shin, head or part of the spine of small cattle were placed near the hands or feet of the deceased in the grave. The second group included 4 burials of the Mukhdagiin am burial ground. The deceased were placed in wooden coffins and were oriented with their heads to
the north or northwest. The shin of a sheep was placed vertically near the head. The third group included single burial of the the Mukhdagiin am burial ground. It had an undercut in the grave pit, where the body was buried. The fourth group included a grave from the Kholtost nuga necropolis. In it the deceased was wrapped in birch bark. During the first half of the II millennium, in the lower part of the Egiin Gola valley, the dominant position was occupied by the bearers of burial traditions of the first group. Representatives of the second group of burials appear in this area in the XIII century, comparable to the Sayantui funeral rite. The burials of the third and fourth groups date back to the beginning of the II millennium
the north or northwest. The shin of a sheep was placed vertically near the head. The third group included single burial of the the Mukhdagiin am burial ground. It had an undercut in the grave pit, where the body was buried. The fourth group included a grave from the Kholtost nuga necropolis. In it the deceased was wrapped in birch bark. During the first half of the II millennium, in the lower part of the Egiin Gola valley, the dominant position was occupied by the bearers of burial traditions of the first group. Representatives of the second group of burials appear in this area in the XIII century, comparable to the Sayantui funeral rite. The burials of the third and fourth groups date back to the beginning of the II millennium
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The article examines the results of excavations of complex 1 of the Sharza-3 burial ground in the Okinsky region of Buryatia, which were introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. The burial ground is located 1.4 km... more
The article examines the results of excavations of complex 1 of the Sharza-3 burial ground in the Okinsky region of Buryatia, which were introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. The burial ground is located 1.4 km northeast of the Sharza ulus, on the left bank of the river. Zhombolok at the foot of the mountain. The height of the mound of the complex 1 is 0.5 m, the diameter is 5.6 m. It is made of stones. Under the mound, on the ancient surface of the earth, an oval ring was built from large stones, oriented along the NW-SE line. Individual human bones have been discovered inside the ring on the ancient horizon. Probably, the buried person was located elongated and oriented to the northwest. No artifacts were found in the burial.
To date, Sharza-3–1 is the first burial explored on the Oka Plateau. Judging by the radiocarbon date, the time of its construction dates back to the first half of the 8th century. BC. The peculiarities of the funeral ritual bring Sharza-3–1 closer to the burials of the Mongun-Taiga type, known in the Late Bronze Age in Western, Central and Northern Mongolia, the Altai Mountains, Tuva and South-Eastern
Buryatia. The relevance of the study is determined by the insufficient knowledge of archaeological sites on the territory of the Mountain Oka and the lack of a cultural and chronological periodization of archaeological sites the South-Eastern Sayan
To date, Sharza-3–1 is the first burial explored on the Oka Plateau. Judging by the radiocarbon date, the time of its construction dates back to the first half of the 8th century. BC. The peculiarities of the funeral ritual bring Sharza-3–1 closer to the burials of the Mongun-Taiga type, known in the Late Bronze Age in Western, Central and Northern Mongolia, the Altai Mountains, Tuva and South-Eastern
Buryatia. The relevance of the study is determined by the insufficient knowledge of archaeological sites on the territory of the Mountain Oka and the lack of a cultural and chronological periodization of archaeological sites the South-Eastern Sayan
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В статье представлены результаты изучения обычая помещать в могилу вместе с умершим части туши барана (овцы), зафиксированного в погребениях XIII-XIV вв. в Байкальском регионе. Рассмотрены материалы из трех районов, входивших в состав... more
В статье представлены результаты изучения обычая помещать в могилу вместе с умершим части туши барана (овцы), зафиксированного в погребениях XIII-XIV вв. в Байкальском регионе. Рассмотрены материалы из трех районов, входивших в состав Монгольской империи (Юго-Восточное Забайкалье, Северное Прихубсугулье, Южное Приангарье). Дается описание захоронений, особое внимание уделяется бараньим костям, их составу и расположению в могиле. Отмечено, что для Южного Забайкалья характерно помещение в могильную яму в районе головы погребенного голени барана. Намного реже, чем берцовые кости, в захоронениях встречаются бараньи лопатки или позвонки. При этом последние чаще всего находятся под тазовыми костями погребенных или верхней частью бедренных. В Прихубсугулье голень барана клали возле руки или ноги умершего. В ангарских захоронениях фиксируется помещение в могилу головы барана и всей его спинной части, которые располагались в ногах покойника. Сделан вывод о том, что в захоронениях саянтуйског...
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Sacral beliefs took one of the most important spheres in the life of ancient societies. The evidence of such beliefs can be recognized in stone constructions used for various ritual activities and differentiated by architectonic features... more
Sacral beliefs took one of the most important spheres in the life of ancient societies. The evidence of such beliefs can be recognized in stone constructions used for various ritual activities and differentiated by architectonic features depending on their functionality. Some of such constructions were found on the territory of the Oka region (Buryat Republic). One part of them has a four-angled, circular, or ring-shaped form and a diameter up to 2 m; the other had circular burial mound-like or flat configuration with a diameter of 3–6 m. The first excavations of the large stone mounds of the circular form were carried out in 1870 P.A. Rovinskiy near the Oka guard fort (archeological site Oka, locality 1 and 2). The researcher characterized excavated constructions as cenotaphs or sacrificial places. In 2020 A.V. Kharinskiy excavated other two large stone mounds at the Shasnur-3 archeological site. Based on materials from excavations reinforced with ethnographical data, we can regard...
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The archaeological site Kholbo-4 is located in the Olkhonsky district of the Irkutsk region, 1.2 km southeast of the village of Shara-Togot. In 2022, a trench measuring 1×8 m was excavated on it. From the east, the trench intersected a... more
The archaeological site Kholbo-4 is located in the Olkhonsky district of the Irkutsk region, 1.2 km southeast of the village of Shara-Togot. In 2022, a trench measuring 1×8 m was excavated on it. From the east, the trench intersected a stone structure resembling an oval measuring 21×24 m, elongated along the north-south line. It consisted of stones laid in 1
row and 1 layer. All the finds found in the trench are confined to a layer of gray sandy loam (depth 4–28 cm from the surface of the earth). They are represented by fragments of pottery, whole and fragmented animal bones, iron slags. Ceramic vessels are smooth-walled, flat-bottomed, made without the use of a potter’s wheel. Among the ornaments decorating the vessels, horizontal bolsters and incised curvilinear ornament prevail. The archaeological site of Kholbo-4 can be attributed to the Yelga stage in the history of the Baikal region and dated within the 3rd century BC — 4th century AD
row and 1 layer. All the finds found in the trench are confined to a layer of gray sandy loam (depth 4–28 cm from the surface of the earth). They are represented by fragments of pottery, whole and fragmented animal bones, iron slags. Ceramic vessels are smooth-walled, flat-bottomed, made without the use of a potter’s wheel. Among the ornaments decorating the vessels, horizontal bolsters and incised curvilinear ornament prevail. The archaeological site of Kholbo-4 can be attributed to the Yelga stage in the history of the Baikal region and dated within the 3rd century BC — 4th century AD
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In the summer of 2023 the participants of the expedition «On the routes of Petr Kuzmich Kozlov» conducted archaeological exploration in the south-eastern part of the Mongolian Altai, on the border of Hovd and Gov-Altai Aimaks. At the... more
In the summer of 2023 the participants of the expedition «On the routes of Petr Kuzmich Kozlov» conducted archaeological exploration in the south-eastern part of the Mongolian Altai, on the border of Hovd and Gov-Altai Aimaks. At the north-western end of the mountains Ikh Uushig in Tsetzhag Somon found 8 different archaeological objects - three Paleolithic sites (Ikh Uushig 2, 4, 6), four sites with petroglyphs (Ikh Uushig 1, 3, 5, 7) and one Turkic memorial fence (Ikh Uushig 8). In the middle part of the tract Uushigyin Baruun Kholoy, west part of the mountains Ikh Uushig, the funeral site Uushigyin Baruun Khool 1 and the Paleolithic site Uushigyin Baruun Kholoy 2 were revealed. In the south western extremities of the Shandatyn Nuru Mountain Range in Tonkhil Somone the funerary site Tonkhil Somone is examined. The main part of the collection of artifacts from the archaeological site Ikh Uushig 4 dates from the period of the Initial Upper Paleolithic - 44-39 Kyr BP. It includes the core with the double-polar striking platforms, point, blades, end-scrapers and other stone artifacts. The finds from the Ikh Uushig 5 site are represented by flakes and wedge-shaped core. They relate to the late Upper Paleolithic - Mesolithic - 18-8 Kyr BP. Approximate archaeological age of the sites Ikh Uushig 2 and Uushigyin Baruun Kholoy 2 - Late Paleolithic-Mesolithic - 45-8 Kyr BP. Petroglyphs from Ikh Uushig 1, 3, 5, 7 date from the Bronze Age - III-II thousands BC and include mainly images of mountain goats. Mound embanks Uushigyin Baruun Kholoy 1 and Shandatyn Nuruu 1, some of which can be described as kherexures, were constructed in 13-8 centuries BC. The time of construction of Turkic fences Ikh Uushig 8 correlates with the 6-8 centuries AD.
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The article presents the materials of collection No. 192, stored in the Irkutsk Museum of Regional Studies. There is no documentation for the collection. One of the options for forming a collection is considered. It has been concluded... more
The article presents the materials of collection No. 192, stored in the Irkutsk Museum of Regional Studies. There is no documentation for the collection. One of the options for forming a collection is considered. It has been concluded that most of the things presented in it are the accompanying inventory of burials excavated in the mid-1920s by B.E. Petri in the Tunka Valley at the Mondy 1 burial ground. The collection includes weapons, horse equipment, clothing and household items. The inventory is described, its typology is given. It is noted that two pairs of stirrups included in collection No. 192 are depicted in photographs of burials excavated by B.E. Petri, and published in the monograph by A.P. Okladnikov “Essays from the history of the Western Buryat-Mongols (XVII-XVIII centuries)”. The book contains photographs of two human burials and a ritual burial of a ram. The skeletons are located in wooden decks with rounded ends. The corpse was elongated, on the back, the hands rested on the hips. In the first burial, one of the stirrups was located between the legs of the buried, and the second was on the edge of the deck. In the second burial, both stirrups are located outside the deck, to the left of the buried. Both graves excavated by B.E. Petri, can be attributed to the burials of the Sayantui type, which characterize the funeral ritual of the Mongols of the imperial period (XIII-XIV centuries). Most of the items from collection No. 192 date from this time. Of the items listed by A.P. Okladnikov, discovered by B.E. Petri, the collection currently lacks Chinese bronze mirrors, the remains of lacquered saddles, pearls, silver and gold jewelry, whistles from arrowheads and a silver bowl on a high leg.
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In the 13th and 14th centuries, there was a custom of placing parts of a ram/sheep carcass in the grave as an offering in the Baikal region. Materials from three areas, which were then parts of the Mongol Empire, are described:... more
In the 13th and 14th centuries, there was a custom of placing parts of a ram/sheep carcass in the grave as an offering in the Baikal region. Materials from three areas, which were then parts of the Mongol Empire, are described: southeastern Trans-Baikal, northern Khövsgöl, and southern Angara. Graves are described with a focus on sheep
bones, their composition, and location in the grave. In the southern Trans-Baikal, the shank was usually placed near the buried person’s head. Scapulae and vertebrae are much less frequent than shank bones. The latter are most often found under the human pelvic bones or under the upper femur. In the Khövsgöl area, a ram’s shank was placed near the deceased person’s arm or leg. On the Angara, a ram’s head—or the entire dorsal part—was placed near the deceased’s legs. In the Sayantui type burials, located south of Lake Baikal and representing the Mongols’ funerary tradition of the imperial period, the most common offering was a ram’s shank, placed upright. Elsewhere in the Baikal region, other ways of arranging parts of a ram carcass are observed, apparently because of the absence of the Mongol population and its elite in those areas.
bones, their composition, and location in the grave. In the southern Trans-Baikal, the shank was usually placed near the buried person’s head. Scapulae and vertebrae are much less frequent than shank bones. The latter are most often found under the human pelvic bones or under the upper femur. In the Khövsgöl area, a ram’s shank was placed near the deceased person’s arm or leg. On the Angara, a ram’s head—or the entire dorsal part—was placed near the deceased’s legs. In the Sayantui type burials, located south of Lake Baikal and representing the Mongols’ funerary tradition of the imperial period, the most common offering was a ram’s shank, placed upright. Elsewhere in the Baikal region, other ways of arranging parts of a ram carcass are observed, apparently because of the absence of the Mongol population and its elite in those areas.
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В статье представлены результаты изучения обычая помещать в могилу вместе с умершим части туши барана (овцы), зафиксированного в погребениях XIII–XIV вв. в Байкальском регионе. Рассмотрены материалы из трех районов, входивших в состав... more
В статье представлены результаты изучения обычая помещать в могилу вместе с умершим части туши барана (овцы), зафиксированного в погребениях XIII–XIV вв. в Байкальском регионе. Рассмотрены материалы из трех районов, входивших в состав Монгольской империи (Юго-Восточное Забайкалье, Северное Прихубсугулье, Южное Приангарье). Дается описание захоронений, особое внимание уделяется бараньим костям, их составу и расположению в могиле. Отмечено, что для Южного Забайкалья характерно помещение в могильную яму в районе головы погребенного голени барана. Намного
реже, чем берцовые кости, в захоронениях встречаются бараньи лопатки или позвонки. При этом последние чаще всего находятся под тазовыми костями погребенных или верхней частью бедренных. В Прихубсугулье голень барана клали возле руки или ноги умершего. В ангарских захоронениях фиксируется помещение в могилу головы барана и всей его спинной части, которые располагались в ногах покойника. Сделан вывод о том, что в захоронениях саянтуйского типа, распространенных в Южном Забайкалье и характеризующих погребальную традицию монголов имперского периода, преобладало помещение в могилу голени барана, которая располагалась вертикально. В других районах Байкальского региона фиксируются иные традиции в размещении частей туши барана в погребении, что, вероятно, связано с отсутствием в них монгольского населения и его элиты.
реже, чем берцовые кости, в захоронениях встречаются бараньи лопатки или позвонки. При этом последние чаще всего находятся под тазовыми костями погребенных или верхней частью бедренных. В Прихубсугулье голень барана клали возле руки или ноги умершего. В ангарских захоронениях фиксируется помещение в могилу головы барана и всей его спинной части, которые располагались в ногах покойника. Сделан вывод о том, что в захоронениях саянтуйского типа, распространенных в Южном Забайкалье и характеризующих погребальную традицию монголов имперского периода, преобладало помещение в могилу голени барана, которая располагалась вертикально. В других районах Байкальского региона фиксируются иные традиции в размещении частей туши барана в погребении, что, вероятно, связано с отсутствием в них монгольского населения и его элиты.
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Research on the evolution of dog foraging and diet has largely focused on scavenging during their initial domestication and genetic adaptations to starch-rich food environments following the advent of agriculture. The Siberian... more
Research on the evolution of dog foraging and diet has largely focused on scavenging during their initial domestication and genetic adaptations to starch-rich food environments following the advent of agriculture. The Siberian archaeological record evidences other critical shifts in dog foraging and diet that likely characterize Holocene dogs globally. By the Middle Holocene, body size reconstruction for Siberia dogs indicates that most were far smaller than Pleistocene wolves. This contributed to dogs' tendencies to scavenge, feed on small prey, and reduce social foraging. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of Siberian dogs reveals that their diets were more diverse than those of Pleistocene wolves. This included habitual consumption of marine and freshwater foods by the Middle Holocene and reliance on C 4 foods by the Late Holocene. Feeding on such foods and anthropogenic waste increased dogs' exposure to microbes, affected their gut microbiomes, and shaped long-term dog population history.
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Представлены результаты изучения городищ-святилищ северо-западного побережья озера Байкал.Archaeologists had discovered at the moment 6 forts on the north-west coast of Lake Baikal— holly places. One of them (Berla 1) is situated on the... more
Представлены результаты изучения городищ-святилищ северо-западного побережья озера Байкал.Archaeologists had discovered at the moment 6 forts on the north-west coast of Lake Baikal— holly places. One of them (Berla 1) is situated on the Cape Berla, three ones (Baikal’skoe 1, 2, 5) are on the eastern coast of Cape Ludar’ and two such sites (Baikal’skoe 3, 4) are on the western coast of the Firth Ludarskaya. Baikal’skoe 3 is dated about 2nd part of III — 3rd quarter of II millennia BC. Other forts — holly places were established in the end of I millennia BC — early I millennia AC. They were constructed on the cape-like forms which dominate over the surrounding area. These objects were committed ritual action, allowed people to enlist the support of the spirits-protectors. Uplands are separated from accessible side of adjacent territory by special protective structures such as ramparts, moats, stone ridges
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Findings of structures remains discovered during excavations on Medieval Mongolian Sites in Eastern Trans-Baikal Region were summarized in the article. They were excavated during exploration of Alestui Mansion, at Khirkhira fortress, as... more
Findings of structures remains discovered during excavations on Medieval Mongolian Sites in Eastern Trans-Baikal Region were summarized in the article. They were excavated during exploration of Alestui Mansion, at Khirkhira fortress, as well as at Konduy town site. The similar findings at Sutai Mansion in Buryatia, at Den-Terek fortress in Tuva, Karakorum, Shangdu, at Avraga fortress in Mongolia can be drawn on for comparison. In addition to traditional archaeological methods of the material investigation, an anatomical study of wood has been accomplished at Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity FEBRAS (Vladivostok). The study results evidence that some of samples collected belongs to Pinaceae, and one of them is the wood of Larix gmelinii or Dahurian Larch, vegetated in this region. Despite of rarity and fragmentariness of this kind of sources on Medieval sites of Central Asia and Far East, it was found out that the wood of local origin was utilized by...
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Baikalskoe-1 sanctuary fortress site is located on the north-west coast of Lake Baikal. It occupies a cusp-like hill site on Cape Ludar, standing 80 m above the lake level. In the process of excavations, two culture-bearing strata were... more
Baikalskoe-1 sanctuary fortress site is located on the north-west coast of Lake Baikal. It occupies a cusp-like hill site on Cape Ludar, standing 80 m above the lake level. In the process of excavations, two culture-bearing strata were revealed in the territory of the site. The deeper stratum embraces the artefacts of the 2nd-1st millennia BC, divided into two archaeological sites. The earlier is approximately dated with the early-mid 2nd millennium BC. It is represented with the remains of clay Glazkov type pottery, quartzite and silicon items. Another archaeological site includes the artefacts datingback to the 6th-1st centuries BC. They include the fragments of Tyshkine (Senogda) type pottery, arrowheads, silicon scrapers and knives as well as the wastes of the production of such. The findings of Baikalskoe-1 prove that for four thousand years, the mount on the coast of Lake Baikal has been considered as a place where contact between the human world and deities was possible
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Ancient sanctuaries located on elevated areas became known to archaeologists in the territory of the Kudinskaya Valley (Baikal region) at the end of the 19th century. Their territory is separated from the surrounding area by protective... more
Ancient sanctuaries located on elevated areas became known to archaeologists in the territory of the Kudinskaya Valley (Baikal region) at the end of the 19th century. Their territory is separated from the surrounding area by protective structures -ramparts or ditches. In this regard, they received the name of the fort-sanctuary. Rituals dedicated to heavenly deities were held on their territory. Currently, such archaeological sites are dated within the Ist -beginning of the 2nd millennium AD. In 2019, earth reconnaissance work was carried out at one of the ancient sanctuaries located in the Solyanka area. Unlike other sanctuary settlements, Solyanka is located in the floodplain of the river on a small hill surrounded by a ditch. The diameter of the sanctuary is 36 m. Judging by its geomorphological position, it was probably dedicated to the owner of the Kuda River or the valley along which it flows. To the south of the ancient sanctuary is the modern sanctuary. On it, the Buryat pop...
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Ancient genomes reveal a complex demographic picture since the post-LGM in northeast Asia and report the presence of Y. pestis .
Research Interests: Geography, Archaeology, East Asia, Science, Biology, and 6 moreMedicine, Mesolithic, Bronze Age, Population, Arkeologi, and Yersinia Pestis
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Archaeogenomic studies have largely elucidated human population history in West Eurasia during the Stone Age. However, despite being a broad geographical region of significant cultural and linguistic diversity, little is known about the... more
Archaeogenomic studies have largely elucidated human population history in West Eurasia during the Stone Age. However, despite being a broad geographical region of significant cultural and linguistic diversity, little is known about the population history in North Asia. We present complete mitochondrial genome sequences together with stable isotope data for 41 serially sampled ancient individuals from North Asia, dated between c.13,790 BP and c.1,380 BP extending from the Palaeolithic to the Iron Age. Analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences and haplogroup data of these individuals revealed the highest genetic affinity to present-day North Asian populations of the same geographical region suggesting a possible long-term maternal genetic continuity in the region. We observed a decrease in genetic diversity over time and a reduction of maternal effective population size (N) approximately seven thousand years before present. Coalescent simulations were consistent with genetic continuity...
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Research Interests: Archaeology and Art
The spread of pastoralism in Asia is poorly understood, including how such processes affected northern forager populations. Lake Baikal's western shore has a rich Holocene archaeological record that tracks these processes. The Early... more
The spread of pastoralism in Asia is poorly understood, including how such processes affected northern forager populations. Lake Baikal's western shore has a rich Holocene archaeological record that tracks these processes. The Early Bronze Age here is evidenced by numerous forager burials. The Early Iron Age (EIA) is thought to mark the arrival of pastoralists, but archaeological remains from this period have received little analysis. New radiocarbon dates for EIA human remains from 23 cemeteries indicate that no burials were created along this shore for ~900 years. This period, from ~3670 to 2760 cal. BP, spans from the end of the Early Bronze Age to the advent of the EIA. The burial gap may mark disruption of local foraging populations through incursions by non-local pastoralists. Radiocarbon dates on faunal remains indicate that domestic herd animals first appear around 3275 cal. BP, just prior to the first EIA human burials. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of hum...
Research Interests: Geography, Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Bioarchaeology, Climate Change Adaptation, and 15 moreCentral Asian Studies, Lake Baikal, Carbon Cycle, Medicine, Archaeology of Central Asia, Mortuary archaeology, Foraging, Bronze Age, Holocene, Radiocarbon Dating, Fauna, Pastoralism, Shore, Hiatus, and Gn
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In 2011 and 2013 the archaeological team of the Irkutsk National Research Technical University carried out excavations of the Khuzhur 5 burial ground, located on the shore of the Khuzhir-Nuge Bay of Lake Baikal, in the Olkhonsky District... more
In 2011 and 2013 the archaeological team of the Irkutsk National Research Technical University carried out excavations of the Khuzhur 5 burial ground, located on the shore of the Khuzhir-Nuge Bay of Lake Baikal, in the Olkhonsky District of the Irkutsk Region. Five complexes were discovered, marked on the surface of the earth with flat stone masonry. Under two of them (No. 2 and 4), no artificial structures were found. Burial pits with the remains of the buried were found under three stone masonry. Two burials were robbed in antiquity (No. 1 and 3). One burial, in which the skeleton of a child under the age of 6 months was found (No. 5), was not disturbed. The buried were located on their side with bent legs, their heads were oriented to the northeast. The features of the funeral ritual
make it possible to attribute the excavated burials to the burials of the Cherenkhyn type, common in the steppe regions of the Baikal region in the 5th–9th centuries. On the basis of radiocarbon dating, the age of the necropolis was determined within the limits of the end of the 6th – the middle of the 9th centuries
make it possible to attribute the excavated burials to the burials of the Cherenkhyn type, common in the steppe regions of the Baikal region in the 5th–9th centuries. On the basis of radiocarbon dating, the age of the necropolis was determined within the limits of the end of the 6th – the middle of the 9th centuries
Collection No. 192 is kept in the Irkutsk regional museum of local history. There is no documentation for the collection. Most of the items in the collection date back to 13th – 14th centuries. They are probably the accompaniments to... more
Collection No. 192 is kept in the Irkutsk regional museum of local history. There is no
documentation for the collection. Most of the items in the collection date back to 13th – 14th centuries. They are probably the accompaniments to burials excavated by B.E. Petri in the middle of 20s of 20th century in the Tunka valley on the Mondy 1 burial ground. The collection includes two fragments of silk fabric. On one of them, a leaf with a complicated edge is woven with gold threads, on the other – a parrot sitting on a peony shrub. It can be assumed that the first fragment is part of a ceremonial robe. The second fragment could have been part of boots, a handbag, or a large robe trimmed with fur. A silk headscarf with parrots and peonies embroidered with gold threads, similar to images from collection No. 192, was found in burial No. 6 of the Nogoon Gozgor 1 burial ground on the northern shore of Lake Khovsgol in Mongolia. Based on AMS14С dating, this burial, like Mondy 1, is dated to 14th century.
documentation for the collection. Most of the items in the collection date back to 13th – 14th centuries. They are probably the accompaniments to burials excavated by B.E. Petri in the middle of 20s of 20th century in the Tunka valley on the Mondy 1 burial ground. The collection includes two fragments of silk fabric. On one of them, a leaf with a complicated edge is woven with gold threads, on the other – a parrot sitting on a peony shrub. It can be assumed that the first fragment is part of a ceremonial robe. The second fragment could have been part of boots, a handbag, or a large robe trimmed with fur. A silk headscarf with parrots and peonies embroidered with gold threads, similar to images from collection No. 192, was found in burial No. 6 of the Nogoon Gozgor 1 burial ground on the northern shore of Lake Khovsgol in Mongolia. Based on AMS14С dating, this burial, like Mondy 1, is dated to 14th century.
We have long-term friendship with Nikolai Nikolayevich Kradin. On April 17, 2022, he turned 60 years old. We studied together at the Faculty of History of the Irkutsk State University and remember this time as the period of our formation... more
We have long-term friendship with Nikolai Nikolayevich Kradin. On April 17, 2022, he turned 60 years old. We studied together at the Faculty of History of the Irkutsk State University and remember this time as the period of our formation as future scientists. In many ways, our teachers P. E. Shmygun, V. V. Svinin, G. I. Medvedev, V. I. Dyatlov, L. M. Dameshek contributed to this. Even as a student, we became interested in the ancient history and archeology of Central and East Asia, devoting most of our scientific works to this topic. In 2008, at the initiative of N. N. Kradin, I joined the project for the study of archaeological sites of the South-Eastern Transbaikalia of the X-XIV centuries. The third participant of the project was E. V. Kovychev. One of the objects of our research was the rampart of Genghis Khan and the settlements located along it. This fortification stretched for more than 750 km across the territory of Mongolia, Russia and China. In 2008-2009 our expedition worked along the Russian section of the rampart. In 2012, the Mongolian section of the rampart was examined from its starting point in the upper reaches of the Ulz Gol River to the railway line from Choibalsan to Solovyovsk. In 2013, work in Mongolia continued. A section of the shaft from the railway to the border with China was examined. In the western and central parts of the rampart, trenches were laid to cut this fortification. On the basis of radiocarbon dates and fragments of pottery, the rampart and the settlements located along it are dated to the 10th-11th centuries.
Stone kurgans are one of the most famous types of archaeological sites found on the Oka plateau of the Eastern Sayan (Oka region of the Republic of Buryatia). The first excavations of these structures were carried out in 1870 by P. A.... more
Stone kurgans are one of the most famous types of archaeological sites found on the Oka plateau of the Eastern Sayan (Oka region of the Republic of Buryatia). The first excavations of these structures were carried out in 1870 by P. A. Rovinsky near the Okinsky guard (currently the archaeological sites of Oka 1 and Oka 2). According to the researcher, the structures unearthed by him were erected in memory of the dead or, marked the places of sacrifice practices. Despite the results of excavations by P. A. Rovinsky, the stone kurgans of Oka continued to be perceived by most researchers as burial complexes. New data on these objects were obtained as a result of excavations carried out in 2020 at the archaeological site Shasnur 3 by A. V. Kharinsky. No traces of human burials were found under the two stone excavated pavements. The study of archaeological sites with stone kurgans was continued in 2021. All stone structures of the Oka 1 and Oka 2 sites were recorded and described, three structures with round
stone kurgans were excavated. One of them was located at the archaeological site Oka 1 (complex No. 12), another at Shara-Tala 1 site and the third one at Sondinto 1 site. No traces of human burials were found in any of the excavated structures. Flint blades, microblades and flakes were found under the stones of the Shara-Tala 1 kurgan, and a flint blade under the Sondinto kurgan. The results of the work in 2021 did not allow us to unambiguously determine the age and cultural affiliation of the Oka kurgans. Preliminarily, these structures can be characterized as cenotaphs or memorials, simultaneously performing the marking functions on the territory inhabited by their builders.
stone kurgans were excavated. One of them was located at the archaeological site Oka 1 (complex No. 12), another at Shara-Tala 1 site and the third one at Sondinto 1 site. No traces of human burials were found in any of the excavated structures. Flint blades, microblades and flakes were found under the stones of the Shara-Tala 1 kurgan, and a flint blade under the Sondinto kurgan. The results of the work in 2021 did not allow us to unambiguously determine the age and cultural affiliation of the Oka kurgans. Preliminarily, these structures can be characterized as cenotaphs or memorials, simultaneously performing the marking functions on the territory inhabited by their builders.
The book by Artur V.Kharinskii provides a thorough review on the genesis and time spans of Pre-Baikalian cultures of end of 1 millennium BC - middle of the 2nd millennium AD. The evidence of written documents is provided on the... more
The book by Artur V.Kharinskii provides a thorough review on the genesis and time spans of Pre-Baikalian cultures of end of 1 millennium BC - middle of the 2nd millennium AD. The evidence of written documents is provided on the populations of Prcbaikalia in the second half of 1 - first half of 2 millennium AD. The lines of evidence were used for reconstruction of ethnic history of the region. Specifics of different peoples are compared based on the data available in the East Asian and Central Asian “chronicles” and “geographies” and inhabitants of Pre- Baikalia who left different archeological objects and sites. The relationship between two notions “Kurumchinsky archeological culture” and “Kurykansky culture” is reviewed . Abundant archeological materials have been applied to report on the problems of origin, development and interaction of ancient cultures and their time spans. These were primarily the materials on burials that were used for plotting the cultural and chronological scheme of the Pre- Baikalian history.
1 stage - Elginsky (II B.C. - VIII B.C.). The onset of the stage is associated with appearance in the west of Baikal of burials of the Elginsky type (II B.C.) The Elginsky buruials are studied in the region of Preolkhonie, on the northwestern shore of Baikal and in Prie-Angaria, that is why I consider their appearance to be the start of the new stage in the history of Pre-Baikalia. It was of major importance for the region which somehow affected the life of local inhabitants.
2 stage (VIII - XII). This stage is characterized by merging of two
cultural and historical areas of Prebaikalia, i.e. Angara-Lena and Baikal.
The process of formation of the latter began in V century, this is when the Elginsky burial ritual in Pre-Olkhonie was replaced by Cherenkhynsky ritual. That is why the period from V to VIII century in the history of Baikal coast is proposed to be called Cherenkhynsky stage. In other parts of Pre-Baikal area the Elginsky traditions turned out to be more stable and started to weaken only since VIII century. In Pre-Angaria at that time people began to follow the Utu-Elginsky ceramics-producing traditions and Dolonovsky burial ritual, that is why this stage in the history of Angara-Lena area should be refered to as Kurumchinsky. On the western shore of Baikal the Cherenkhynsky burial ritual are replaced by burials of Kurkutsky and Kharantsynsky types. Thus, the history of Baikal coast was marked by Kharantsynsky stage.
3 stage (XII - XVII). At this stage the Angara-Lena and Baikal areas proceed to develop individually. The onset of the stage is marked by penetration into Pre-Angaria region of Ust-Talkinsky burial traditions (XII) (Ust-Talkinsky stage). At that time on the western shore of Baikal there used to be spreading traditions of Anginsky type burials (Anginsky stage). The archeological cultures which were set up on the territory of forest-steppe Pre- Baikalia in the middle of 2 millennium AD became the foundation for forming the culture of the Buryat people.
1 stage - Elginsky (II B.C. - VIII B.C.). The onset of the stage is associated with appearance in the west of Baikal of burials of the Elginsky type (II B.C.) The Elginsky buruials are studied in the region of Preolkhonie, on the northwestern shore of Baikal and in Prie-Angaria, that is why I consider their appearance to be the start of the new stage in the history of Pre-Baikalia. It was of major importance for the region which somehow affected the life of local inhabitants.
2 stage (VIII - XII). This stage is characterized by merging of two
cultural and historical areas of Prebaikalia, i.e. Angara-Lena and Baikal.
The process of formation of the latter began in V century, this is when the Elginsky burial ritual in Pre-Olkhonie was replaced by Cherenkhynsky ritual. That is why the period from V to VIII century in the history of Baikal coast is proposed to be called Cherenkhynsky stage. In other parts of Pre-Baikal area the Elginsky traditions turned out to be more stable and started to weaken only since VIII century. In Pre-Angaria at that time people began to follow the Utu-Elginsky ceramics-producing traditions and Dolonovsky burial ritual, that is why this stage in the history of Angara-Lena area should be refered to as Kurumchinsky. On the western shore of Baikal the Cherenkhynsky burial ritual are replaced by burials of Kurkutsky and Kharantsynsky types. Thus, the history of Baikal coast was marked by Kharantsynsky stage.
3 stage (XII - XVII). At this stage the Angara-Lena and Baikal areas proceed to develop individually. The onset of the stage is marked by penetration into Pre-Angaria region of Ust-Talkinsky burial traditions (XII) (Ust-Talkinsky stage). At that time on the western shore of Baikal there used to be spreading traditions of Anginsky type burials (Anginsky stage). The archeological cultures which were set up on the territory of forest-steppe Pre- Baikalia in the middle of 2 millennium AD became the foundation for forming the culture of the Buryat people.
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The book by Kharinsky A. V. describes some aspects of Medieval history of Priolkhonye area on the western coast of Lake Baikal. The notions of ancient inhabitants of the Baikal coast on the next world are disclosed based on the data on... more
The book by Kharinsky A. V. describes some aspects of Medieval history of Priolkhonye area on the western coast of Lake Baikal. The notions of ancient inhabitants of the Baikal coast on the next world are disclosed based on the data on burial site investigation. It provides the historical-geographic overview of the knowledge collected on chronology and cultural approach to burial sites which were dug out in different years on the Baikal coast.
The monograph offers analysis of new materials on the medieval burials of Priolkhonye and presents detailed descriptions of the elements of burial rituals exemplified by five groups of burials.
V-IX century. Existence of Cherenkhynsky burial tradition characterized by placing the corpse on the right side with the legs bent, with the head to the north, north-east or east. Oval stone masonry was commonly erected over the graves.
Late VIII-XIV century. The time of application of Kharantsynsky burial ritual which is marked by placing the corpse into the grave covered with birch bark (this can be cover or case). The buried usually lay on the back elongated, with the head forwarded to the north-east.
VIII-XIX century. The time of existence in Priolkhonye of the Kurkutsky type of burials. They were typified by the absence of any special constructions within a grave. Position of the one to be buried was the same as in the burials of Kharantsynsky type. Some graves were covered with a ceiling made from stones or wooden sticks.
XIII(XII?) - XVI century. This is the period of applying burials of Anginsky type. They are characterized by the presence of wooden intra-grave construction, e.g. frame, blocks or coffin. The corpse to be buried was placed elongated, on the back, with the head forwarded to the east or north-east.
Middle of XIV - beginning of XV century. This is the period of applying Sarminsky burial ritual. Its specific features are: (i) location of burial site over the earth surface; (ii) placement of the corpse into a birch bark construction, like cover or cloth strip, which was surrounded with a wooden fence; (iii) cremation of the buried one; (iv) building of rectangular fence from vertically standing plates.
The monograph offers analysis of new materials on the medieval burials of Priolkhonye and presents detailed descriptions of the elements of burial rituals exemplified by five groups of burials.
V-IX century. Existence of Cherenkhynsky burial tradition characterized by placing the corpse on the right side with the legs bent, with the head to the north, north-east or east. Oval stone masonry was commonly erected over the graves.
Late VIII-XIV century. The time of application of Kharantsynsky burial ritual which is marked by placing the corpse into the grave covered with birch bark (this can be cover or case). The buried usually lay on the back elongated, with the head forwarded to the north-east.
VIII-XIX century. The time of existence in Priolkhonye of the Kurkutsky type of burials. They were typified by the absence of any special constructions within a grave. Position of the one to be buried was the same as in the burials of Kharantsynsky type. Some graves were covered with a ceiling made from stones or wooden sticks.
XIII(XII?) - XVI century. This is the period of applying burials of Anginsky type. They are characterized by the presence of wooden intra-grave construction, e.g. frame, blocks or coffin. The corpse to be buried was placed elongated, on the back, with the head forwarded to the east or north-east.
Middle of XIV - beginning of XV century. This is the period of applying Sarminsky burial ritual. Its specific features are: (i) location of burial site over the earth surface; (ii) placement of the corpse into a birch bark construction, like cover or cloth strip, which was surrounded with a wooden fence; (iii) cremation of the buried one; (iv) building of rectangular fence from vertically standing plates.