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В статье представлены результаты исследования неолитического могильника Большая Умытья 100, распо... more В статье представлены результаты исследования неолитического могильника Большая Умытья 100, расположенного в верховьях р. Конды-левого притока р. Иртыш. Могильник-биритуальный. Захоронения-ингумации и кремации, выполнены в прямоугольных могилах, ориентированных СЗ-ЮВ. Тела усопших размещались в вытянутом положении головой на СЗ, кремированные кости-по центру ям. Останки засыпались охрой. По данным стратиграфии и 14 С-датирования установлено, что наиболее древними были захоронения первого могильного ряда. В них присутствовал погребальный инвентарь-подновленные каменные орудия (тесла, стамеска, острие, наконечник стрелы, струг), а также уникальные артефакты-смоляные бусины-пронизки и изделие из человеческого черепа. В погребениях с планировкой, отличной от центральных могил и располагавшихся на периферии могильника, охра, останки и инвентарь не обнаружены. По немногочисленным находкам посуды шоушминского типа в могилах и на древней поверхности могильник отнесен к среднему периода неолита р. Конды VI тыс. до н. э. По масштабам и устройству погребального поля памятник сопоставим с крупными мезонеолитическими могильниками VIII-VI тыс. до н. э. северо-востока Европы.

The book under review is the 4th volume of the seven-volume edition “Archaeology of the Volga-Ura... more The book under review is the 4th volume of the seven-volume edition “Archaeology of the Volga-Urals” – an encyclopedic work, which analyzes the materials of the Migration Period in the interval of the II – IX centuries AD within the area from the Kuban region to the upper Kama, and from the Tsna basin to the Urals. The chapters are compiled by a team of 32 authors, including archaeologists, anthropologists, and a linguist. For the first time, it contains in a unified structure the scientific papers on the archaeological cultures of the region and information on individual reference sites. The edition retains the discussion points, concerning the interpretation of sites, establishing the origin of influences, the direction of migrations, and the ethno-cultural affiliation of antiquities. The remarks relate to the use and understanding of archaeological terms and the presentation of radiocarbon dates in the publication.

On October 21, 2024, Alexander Alekseevich Vybornov turns 70. He devoted most of his life to stud... more On October 21, 2024, Alexander Alekseevich Vybornov turns 70. He devoted most of his life to studying the Stone Age of the Volga-Kama region and adjacent territories. The proposed note is devoted to the description of the main milestones of the birthday boy's scientific activity. Information is provided about his work at the history department of the Kuibyshev / Samara Pedagogical University. The main stages of field expeditionary activities aimed at studying archaeological monuments in the vast territory of the European part of Russia are noted. Information is provided on the scientific and organizational work of the hero of the day, preparation and participation in numerous conferences and supervision of the writing of dissertations. The key areas of scientific work of Alexander Alekseevich and the topics of the most significant articles and monographs.

The paper describes the main fields of the research work by Doctor of History, chief research fel... more The paper describes the main fields of the research work by Doctor of History, chief research fellow at the Mari Research Institute of Language, Literature and History named after V.M. Vasiliev, famous specialist in medieval archaeology Tatyana Bagishevna Nikitina, who celebrated her anniversary on July 27, 2024. T.B. Nikitina began to study archaeology while still at the Mari State University. After graduation she came to work at the Mari Research Institute, where she still works. The scientific interests of the jubilarian are related with the medieval archaeology of the Mari people, the areas where they live. Initially it was burial grounds of XVI–XVIII centuries, then the sphere of study expanded to the whole medieval era. For the period of scientific activity of the researcher till today more than 200 scientific articles and 9 monographs have been published.

The author evaluates a prominent Russian archaeologist T.B. Nikitina’s contribution to the study ... more The author evaluates a prominent Russian archaeologist T.B. Nikitina’s contribution to the study of the Middle Ages composite belts on the occasion of her jubilee. Belts, found at the burial sites of the Vetluga–Vyatka interfluve, are characterized by unique preservation of belts, which allowed not only studying separate elements of these composite belts, but also to see what they are made of, design and manners of use as articles of clothing. Based on materials from the Rozhdestvensk burial site in the Perm Krai the classification developed by T.B. Nikitina was tested. Research results revealed that the classification is quite universal and is applicable to analysis of belts, discovered in different areas. Belts of one and one and a half turns around the waist have been found at the Rozhdestvensk burial site. Some of them are completely identical to ones found in the Vetluga–Vyatka interfluve by their composition, and it may be assumed that they came from the same centre. There are also belts similar in general, but have, for example, not one but two main types of onlays, and there are local belts that include onlays characteristic mainly of the Perm Cis-Urals. Belts going twice around the waist are characteristic strictly for the culture of the people in the Vetluga–Vyatka interfluves. Such studies give broader opportunities to using discovered belt details as an archaeological source.

Based on the results of research by T.B. Nikitina and N.B. Krylasova on the typology and chronolo... more Based on the results of research by T.B. Nikitina and N.B. Krylasova on the typology and chronology of the belt set from burial grounds of the VIII–XIII centuries in the Vyatka-Vetluga interfluve (ancient Mari people) and the Middle Kama region (Finno-Permyaks, bearers of the Rodan archaeological culture), the author of the article provides comparative geographical statistics of the distribution in the region of intact belt sets, consisting of a buckle, mounts and belt-end. The results obtained show that in the VIII–IX centuries intact belts are concentrated mainly in the burial grounds of the ancient Ugrians-Hungarians of the Kama region and the Southern Ural, significantly exceeding the burial grounds of the Mari and Mordvins in frequency of occurrence. Probably, due to the migration of the Hungarians from the Cis-Urals the belts and their details could have been deposited in the burial grounds of the ancient Mordvins. In the X–XI centuries “statistical leadership” in the use of intact belts goes to the Volga Finns – the Mari. Among the Ugrians of the Southern Cis-Urals belts are not found at all, and among the nomadic Pechenegs – just a few. The less frequent distribution of these items among the Kama Finno-Permyaks – bearers of the Rodanovo culture – even if they had their own production, is probably explained by the influence of Islam, the center of which spread in the Kama region was the Bolgar outpost town of Afkula.

Burials of women with casting tools are a striking feature of the Finno-Ugric antiquities of the ... more Burials of women with casting tools are a striking feature of the Finno-Ugric antiquities of the early Middle Ages. They are known in the burial grounds of the Muromians, Mordvins, Mari people in the V–IX centuries AD. These findings allowed the researchers to conclude that the women of these tribes were engaged in jewelry craft. The purpose of this article is to analyze new similar burials from the Podbolotyevo burial ground and determine the place of these women in Muroma society. A typological analysis of the most common objects – clay ladles for pouring molten metal, allowed us to identify the early types of this instrument, which have been used since the VI century. The discovery of a clay ladle with an iron rod in the burial, which are often found together, made it possible to identify the rod as the ladle handle and served to perform safe heating operations. The dynamics of changes in the burial ritual and inventory of such burials are traced, which allowed us to conclude that at the turn of the I–II millennium, changes took place in Muroma society, in which female foundry workers were also involved. The presence of coins in the burials, acting as a means of payment, as well as finding weighing tools in the foundry complexes suggest that foundries at that time were involved in commodity relations. The special position of these women in society and, probably, the fear of them led to the fact that after their death certain rituals were performed with their remains, which we record in the form of destruction of the headboard of the deceased.

The article deals with the metal parts of the belt set from the Shekshovo burial ground in the Su... more The article deals with the metal parts of the belt set from the Shekshovo burial ground in the Suzdal Opolie (X–XII centuries). The objects originate mainly from the upper plowed layer. Most of them are related with destroyed burials, carried out by cremation rite: on the surface or in shallow pits. In total, about 200 finds were collected: solitary finds and 18 typological series of 2–39 items. Along with the significant predominance of finds of the second half of the X – beginning of the XI century, there are samples dated from other monuments of the IX – beginning of the X century and not found in complexes of later times. They are connected by their origin with the Saltovo antiquities. Probably, these finds mark the beginning of the use of the burial ground in the first half of the X century, although the greatest activity developed here in the middle of X–XII century.

The authors systematizes all finds in the burials of the Yamnaya culture in the Volga-Ural interf... more The authors systematizes all finds in the burials of the Yamnaya culture in the Volga-Ural interfluve that have certain signs of Eneolithic cultures. They include archaic ceramics, some jewelry made of shells, boar tusk and rarely items made of copper. In addition to morphology, the technology of vessels with archaic features was analyzed and a conclusion was made about the continuity of traditions in the Eneolithic pottery of the Khvalynsk and Samara cultures in the Volga region and pottery technology at the early stage of the Yamnaya culture. It is concluded that the finds of archaic objects in burials and settlements of the early stage of the Yamnaya culture of the Volga-Ural interfluve confirms the previously expressed opinion about the formation of the Yamnaya complex on the basis of the Eneolithic Khvalynsk and Samara cultures, which, in addition to the continuity of burial rites, is proved by the radiocarbon age of burials with archaic grave goods.

The article deals with the materials of one of the multi-complex settlement monuments, the Bazyak... more The article deals with the materials of one of the multi-complex settlement monuments, the Bazyakovo I campsite, located at the mouth of the Kama River. The purpose of the work is to introduce into scientific discourse an array of archaeological sources of the campsite under consideration. In its materials, obtained as a result of archaeological studies, several stages of functioning can be traced. The earliest stage is associated with the Kama Neolithic culture. In addition to ceramics, it includes a very expressive collection of stone tools, obtained as a result of studies at the archaeological site under consideration. A large number of woodworking tools should be noted. The finds, related to the Kama culture, may be partially synchronized with the dotted-and-combed wаre. In later times, the territory of the campsite was occupied by bearers of ceramics of the Novoilyinka culture. In the Late Eneolithic, the site of the monument was occupied by the population of the Garino culture. The campsite continued to exist in the Late Bronze Age. The final stage of its functioning falls on the Early Iron Age.

The article deals with the generalization of information on pottery technology of the Volga regio... more The article deals with the generalization of information on pottery technology of the Volga region population in the Eneolithic period, got through technical-technological analysis. The data on 1187 vessels from 23 Eneolithic monuments (sites and burial grounds) of the Lower Volga region and the south of the Middle Volga are involved. The results of the study in 4 directions are proposed for discussion: 1) potters' ideas about the initial plastic raw materials; 2) traditions of making pottery paste; 3) ways of designing and shaping vessels; 4) methods for making products durable and waterproof. These directions are provided with information base and are important in characterizing cultural traditions in pottery. Technological data are systematized in statistical tables and confirmed by micrograph. Conclusions are drawn about the emergence of new technologies and continuity with Neolithic pottery

The source base for the Eneolithic of the forest steppe Volga region includes Eneolithic burial g... more The source base for the Eneolithic of the forest steppe Volga region includes Eneolithic burial grounds and campsites. The data from the study of ceramics, stone, bone, metal tools, anthropological and archeozoological materials, radiocarbon dating were used. The purpose of the work is to clarify the place of materials from the Late Neolithic of the forest steppe Volga region in the process of changing the Neolithic to the Eneolithic. The results of radiocarbon dating confirmed the presence of a common time interval for the Late Neolithic – Early and Middle Eneolithic. The analysis of ceramics and stone tools showed that the Neolithic substrate is well expressed in the ceramics of the Samara culture of the early stage and, to a lesser extent, the Ivanovo stage. Stone tools keep the traditions of the Caspian culture. The influence of the forest steppe Neolithic in ceramics and stone tools of the Khvalynsk culture has not been revealed. Local Neolithic traditions are most fully represented in pottery and stone tools of the Lebyazhinka, Tok, Chekalino types. The Eneolithic features such as collared ceramics, tools made of large flint and quartzite blades, large burial grounds, cattle-breeding, copper items, stone scepter finials is associated with the Samara and Khvalynsk cultures.

The main role in changing of the environment in the semi-desert and steppe zones of Eastern Europ... more The main role in changing of the environment in the semi-desert and steppe zones of Eastern Europe in the Holocene played the precipitation. The first bearers of Neolithic cultures in this territory appeared in the Early Holocene during a transition from wet to arid climatic conditions. The climatic aridization around 6200 cal BC contributed to local population movements and interactions between communities. These processes led to the emergence of new elements in pottery technology and stone industry. The cultural traditions of the Dzhangar and Kairshak types, appeared during the short-term “critical” episode of climate deterioration in the semi-desert zone, continued to develop in the Orlovka culture, formed in the steppe zone of the Lower Volga region. The formation of the Caspian culture, transitional from Neolithic to Chalcolithic, begins about 5500 cal BC in the Northern Caspian. The appearance of syncretic pottery and cattle breeding characterizes this culture. The short-term episodes of climatic aridization, which were followed by periods of humidification, were registered in this time. Eneolithic communities of the Khvalynsk culture, in whose economy appeared copper production together with animal domestication, begin to spread already at the end of a short-term aridization of the climate around 4700 BC in semi-desert and steppe zones.

The paper deals with the regional data on the repair of ceramic wares in the Neolithic and Eneoli... more The paper deals with the regional data on the repair of ceramic wares in the Neolithic and Eneolithic (VI–III millennia BC). Holes of various types at the edges of cracks on the broken pot or cracks that threatened its safety, as well as the remains of adhesive materials that sealed the repair seam, are evidence of ancient repairs of pots. As a result, it was determined that the oldest evidence of ware repair in the region is associated with early pottery (VI millennium BC). The need for pottery repair increases by the final Neolithic (second half of the IV millennium BC) and decreases in the Eneolithic (III millennium BC). The use of organic clamps and sealants is also uneven in diachrony. The use of adhesive materials is not revealed in Early Neolithic assemblages, on the contrary, it increases by the Final Neolithic, and in the Eneolithic it may be the only method of repair. Five samples of sealants from the Final Neolithic–Eneolithic Chuzhyael culture were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. It was found that the adhesive materials were tar obtained by the “double pot” method – heating the raw material in one pot while pouring the product into another container. The informative potential of the studied category of sources is determined by the complex of actions, tools and materials involved in pottery repair. Like any evidentially reconstructed artefact “biography”, pottery “history” can tell us about behavior of people and assess their needs and lifestyles.

Neolithic-Eneolithic sites in the steppe zone are not so many. Therefore, new settlement excavati... more Neolithic-Eneolithic sites in the steppe zone are not so many. Therefore, new settlement excavations are very important. One of them is the Oroshayemoye settlement. The planigraphic observation of the area of this settlement showed that it consists of two sites – Algai and Oroshayemoye I. The scientific novelty of the research is determined by the presence of clear stratigraphic successions on both sites. There are several cultural layers of different ages separated by sterile streaks. The lower level contains the artifacts of the Orlovka Neolithic culture. The finds of the Caspian culture were found in the middle cultural layer. The upper cultural layer contains the inventory of the Eneolithic periods and later epochs. This made it possible to develop the Neolith-Eneolithic cultural periodization in detail for the region. A large series of radiocarbon dates gave the possibility to establish the chronological framework for each culture. The reconstruction of paleogeographical conditions of population development in the Later Stone Age and Eneolithic was provided by the spore-pollen and geochemical analysis. Archaeozoological analysis helped to determine the animal species for each period. Of particular importance are the results related to the appearance of the first signs of a producing economy in the area. In addition, it is possible to provide a more detailed description of ceramic and stone tools for each cultural complex. Technical and technological analysis of pottery revealed characteristic features of various cultures.

The authors put forward the thesis that ceramic materials with combed-denticulated-dotted ornamen... more The authors put forward the thesis that ceramic materials with combed-denticulated-dotted ornamentation, which previously traditionally belonged to the Late Neolithic Rybnoozersk culture on the Upper Don, are completely similar to pottery assemblages of the Lyalovo culture early (archaic) stage in the Upper Volga region. At the same time, there is a similar time interval of the beginning of the existence of this culture monuments in the Upper Volga and forest steppe Don region in the early V millennium BC. This is evidenced by the direct stratigraphy of Dobroye 9 settlement, the general stratigraphy of Ksizovo 6 settlement and burial ground, indirect evidence – bedding of the fragments of pottery in the lower pre-natural soil layers of the Upper Don sites: Universitetskaya 3, Vasilyevsky Kordon 7, Ivnitsa. A burial rite similar to the Upper Volga region, radiocarbon dating and data of the technical and technological analysis of ancient ware are also noted.

The article presents the results of technical and technological analysis of the Novoilyinsky cult... more The article presents the results of technical and technological analysis of the Novoilyinsky culture ceramics of the Kama-Vyatka interfluve campsites: Arkul, Sredneye Shadbegovo I, Sredneye Shadbegovo II, Sredneye Shadbegovo III, Sredneye Shadbegovo IV. The main attention is paid to the preparatory stage of creating ceramic wares and surface treatment of finished vessels. When processing the outer surface of the wares of the studied sites, smoothing and polishing were used, but at the Arkul and Sredneye Shadbegovo III sites, vessels with a combed stamp on the outside of the vessel were revealed, the inner surface was mainly smoothed with a soft object. On the basis of the carried out technical and technological analysis the prevailing tradition of selection as an initial plastic raw material of non-sanded silty clay stands out, an insignificant percentage of wares was made of clay. Grog and an organic mortar were used to create the molding mass. The main recipe for creating Novoilyinka ceramics is: IPRM + organic mortar + grog in small concentration (1:7-1:5), not calibrated from 2,0 to 5,0 mm. The tradition of selecting non-sanded silty clay and adding grog and organic solution to the paste is stable for the Novoilyinka population and is inherited from the Kama culture.

The article provides a description of the sites of the Kama Neolithic culture located in the nort... more The article provides a description of the sites of the Kama Neolithic culture located in the north of the Perm region. There are 17 such sites, discovered in the region. They are concentrated in two areas: nearby Lake Chusovskoye and in the middle part of the Vishera River. The peculiarities of the location of the sites include their location on the banks of the 4th order rivers and lakes of non-oxbow origin. The Northern Kama region is characterized by short-term campsites of hunters and fishermen with fireplaces and, possibly, ground-based construction such as huts. The pottery assemblages are represented by thick-walled semi-ovoid-shaped ware, decorated with a combed stamp, made by rolling, stepping and stamping techniques. The stone industry is characterized by the use of local raw materials for the manufacture of tools, the flake-blade industry and a variety of retouch with a standard set of basic tools. The Kama Neolithic culture sites in the region date back to the second half of the VI - first half of the V millennium BC. The Khomutovskoe boloto I–II sites can serve as a standard for this culture.

The article deals with generalization and clarification of the Neolithic dating of the Vyatka Riv... more The article deals with generalization and clarification of the Neolithic dating of the Vyatka River. Vyatka River Neolithic dating used earlier in the context of the general chronology of the Neolithic cultures of the Volga-Kama or Middle Urals. In the Neolithic period in the Vyatka River basin there were cultures with different traditions of pottery production: undecorated, stroked, combed and dotted-and-combed ornamentation. The main source for chronology is the dating of organics in ceramics, charcoal and bones. To date, 24 radiocarbon dates have been obtained from 10 sites. The oldest dates are obtained at campsites with undecorated pottery - the beginning of VI millennium BC. The earliest complexes with stroked pottery date from the first half to the middle of the VI millennium BC; the developed ones survive until the second half of the V millennium BC. The earliest sites with combed ceramics date somewhat later than stroked ceramics – the middle-second half of the VI millennium BC. The tradition exists until the second half of the V millennium BC. The appearance of combed-dotted ceramics ware and collar ceramics dates back to the first half – the middle of the V millennium BC. Cultural and chronological features of Neolithic sites indicate their relationship with the forest steppe Volga, Middle Volga and Kama regions.

The territory of the Southeastern Lake Onega region includes the Southern Lake Onega region, the ... more The territory of the Southeastern Lake Onega region includes the Southern Lake Onega region, the basins of Lake Beloye and Lake Vozhe within the borders of the Vologda Oblast. Early Neolithic sites with combed ware in this area became known in the late 1980s – early 2000s. Ceramics with combed patterns are the most representative here. At sites, studied on a wide area, radiocarbon determinations were obtained for this group of ceramics, and the composition of the pottery paste was studied. The abundance of material obtained at these sites and its dating by natural science methods make it possible to clarify the chronological position of pottery assemblages of other sites, previously not distinguished from the general array of Neolithic ware and to fill archaeological gaps on the map of Early Neolithic antiquities with factual material. This article provides a review of the ceramic collections of sites with Early Neolithic combed pottery known today in this region.

The river network of the Vologda region is very dense and belongs to three basins: the White, Bal... more The river network of the Vologda region is very dense and belongs to three basins: the White, Baltic and Caspian seas. This fact affects the cultural and historical development of different areas of the Vologda region already in ancient times. The Neolithic in the region has been studied by archaeologists unevenly. Currently, new archaeological settlements – have been identified and studied, data have been obtained from natural sciences, which have made it possible to expand and clarify ideas about the cultural and historical processes that took place in the territory of the Eastern Lake Onega region and Upper Sukhona, Lake Kubenskoye and to supplement our knowledge about the Stone Age of the Russian North – European North-East. Based on the results of studying these two parts of the region – the Eastern Lake Onega region and the Upper Sukhona – a chronology and periodization of the development of areas in the Neolithic is proposed.