Dmitrii Kichigin | Irkutsk State Technical University (original) (raw)

Papers by Dmitrii Kichigin

Краткие сообщения Института археологии, 2024

In 2023 a group of archaeologists from Irkutsk National Research Technical University conducted e... more In 2023 a group of archaeologists from Irkutsk National Research Technical University conducted excavations of complex No. 3 at Ontkhe 1, which is a cemetery dating to the Neolithic – Early Bronze Age. The stone structure of a rounded shape was made up of stones placed in one layer over the soil. A man-made pit was discovered under the stone layer. In the infill stones of red color, ashes and charcoals were recorded. On the bottom of the pit archaeological material was discovered, namely, a chisel made of slatestone; a pebble hammerstone; a knife (biface) made of quartzite; a flint end-scraper on flake; and a ceramic vessel decorated with dotted line – combed ecoration. The artifacts were scattered over the bottom. No human remains and other bone fragments were found during the excavations, which makes typological interpretation of the association difficult. The purpose of the article is to introduce the materials of the excavated complex into scientific circulation, parallel with its cultural, hronological and typological interpretation. Based on a comparative typological analysis of the archaeological material, topographical and structural features of the association, it was established that the excavated construction is a burial performed according to the cremation rite directly in the grave pit and is related to the Serovo burial tradition of the Late Neolithic Olkhon region which corresponds to the early 4th – middle of the 3rd millennia BC.

Известия Лаборатории древних технологий, 2024

In 2024 marks the 140th birthday of the founder of the Irkutsk School of Archaeology, professor o... more In 2024 marks the 140th birthday of the founder of the Irkutsk School of Archaeology, professor of the Irkutsk University B.E. Petri. In 1923-1924 he made several scientific expeditions to the Northern Mongolia. In search of sites of Neolithic man, similar to Ulan-Khada on Baikal, in 1923 he had surveyed the eastern shore of Lake Kosogol (Khubsugul). The results of this expedition were briefly described by B.E. Petri in a small work «Ancient Lake Kosogol (Mongolia)» in 1926. On the basis of modern maps, the exploration routes of this expedition and the locations of 9 out of 10 pick-up points have been established. The finds collected by B.E. Petri, presented mainly fragments of ceramic vessels and objects made of stone, are now stored in the funds of the Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local History named after N.N. Muraviev-Amursky, making up a total of 5 collections (759, 760, 763, 764, 766) from 8 locations (Alaksyr, Dalbai, Anchikatan, Morin-Toskul, Noyn-Gol, Shoshul, Tana and Khanga). Among the fragments of ceramics, groups with mesh, cord, ribbed, waffle and smooth surfaces stand out. The ornament is represented by molded ridges, “pearls”, impressions of receding ornaments and drawn lines. The stone collection includes: flakes and blades with retouching and without traces of further processing, ski-shaped spalls, wedge-shaped and prismatic cores, tools (arrowheads, end-scrapers, side-scrapers, burins and combined tools). Based on the comparative and typological analysis of archaeological material, it was found that almost the entire collection from the eastern shore of Lake Khubsugul, collected by B.E. Petri in 1923, finds direct analogies in the materials of the sites and the burial grounds on Lake Baikal and dates back to the end of 7-yearof the summer millennium BC - the middle of the 1st thousand.

Известия Лаборатории древних технологий. 22. Т. 18. № 1. , 2022

Stone kurgans are one of the most famous types of archaeological sites found on the Oka plateau ... more Stone kurgans are one of the most famous types of archaeological sites found on the Oka plateau of the Eastern Sa￾yan (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 un￾earthed 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 trac￾es 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. Prelim￾inarily, these structures can be characterized as cenotaphs or memorials, simultaneously performing the marking functions on the territory inhabited by their builders.

Reports of the Laboratory of Ancient Technologies, 2023

In the summer of 2023 the participants of the expedition «On the routes of Petr Kuzmich Kozlov» c... 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.

Theory and Practice of Archaeological Research, 2024

The article examines the results of excavations of complex 1 of the Sharza-3 burial ground in the... 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 north￾west. 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

Reports of the Laboratory of Ancient Technologies Vol. 16 no. 1 , 2020

From 1975 to 2015, archaeological research was carried out in the southwestern part of the Verkhn... more From 1975 to 2015, archaeological research was carried out in the southwestern part of the Verkhneangarsky Basin (North Baikal), in which scholars of various scientific divisions took part. At the moment, 17 archaeological sites are known in the area. They are located on the shores of the lakes of Irkana, Uptinskoye, Chumbuki (Moklya) and the river Kotera. The find-ings found on them are few in number, but their morphological, technological, and ornamental features make it possible to speak of cultural ties or even unity with the inhabitants of the Baikal coast throughout the VI millennium BC. – II millennium AD. The only burial ground investigated to date in the southwestern part of the Upper Angara Basin, Chumbuki 2, is tentatively dated to the end of the 7th – the middle of the 12th centuries AD. Two burial sites were excavated at the necropolis, which were located under the stone gravestones. The deceased were laid elongated in a birch bark bag and their head was oriented east – northeast. Iron knives, a ring, a ceramic spindle, a bone needle container were found in the burials. The funeral ritual noted at the cemetery finds a wide range of analogies in the territory of the Baikal region. Such graves are combined into a group of Harantsy-type graves dating from the end of the VIII – the middle of the XIV centuries. It is possible that the Upper Angara Basin was the center of the formation of this funerary tradition.

Кичигин Д.Е., Емельянова Ю.А., Коростелев А.М. Парное погребение раннего бронзового века могильника Мыс Уюга. Известия Лаборатории древних технологий. 2019. Т. 15. № 2. С. 29–46 (in Russian), 2019

In 2016, an expedition of the Laboratory of Archaeology, Paleoecology and Systems of Subsistence ... more In 2016, an expedition of the Laboratory of Archaeology, Paleoecology and Systems of Subsistence of the People of
Northern Asia of Irkutsk National Research Technical University had excavated the Early Bronze Age burial of two persons of cemetery Mys Uyuga (western coast of Lake Baikal). The tombstone structure was severely damaged. Only the stones of the northeast sector of the masonry and the slabs covering the skeleton A (the 3rd level of stones) are preserved. Buried man (skeleton A) and woman (skeleton B) were laid on a specially prepared rock surface, close to each other, touching hands. They lie on their backs with their heads to the West. The remains of a birch bark were found on the bones of these two human individuals. On the skeleton A skull were found 49 pendants made of red deer teeth. On his chest were three rings made of light jade. Another such ring was in the left eye-socket. We also found one metal (bronze) thing in a small leather bag between his knees and tarbagan marmot fangs on the feet. In the area of the skeleton B head was found an implement set consisting of a massive knife made of quartzite tile and three points made of bone (awls and a knife); under the right pelvic bone was a knife made of quartzite flake. We have three radiocarbon dates taken by from the both individuals teeth. Taking into account its correction for the reservoir effect the burial No. 2 of Mys Uyuga cemetery was committed in the middle of III millennium BC.

Тетенькин А.В., Кичигин Д.Е., Коростелев А.М. Новое археологическое местонахождение эпохи каменного века Балтаханова V (Северный Байкал). Известия Лаборатории древних технологий. 2019. Т. 15. № 1. С. 46–63 (in Russian), 2019

In 2016, the North Baikal Archeological Expedition of INRTU discovered a new archaeological site ... more In 2016, the North Baikal Archeological Expedition of INRTU discovered a new archaeological site Baltakhanova V on the north-west coast of Lake Baikal. The collection of the first finds does not contain ceramics. For a number of typological signs, the complex of artifacts is characterized as Mesolithic. Along with the lack of ceramics, the main typological arguments of this assessment are the middle-angle burin, the end-scraper on the crest spall from the biface, microblade products, the transversal burin spall, and pebble tools. Taking into account the Mesolithic-like findings at a number of other locations in the Baltakhanov Bay area, it was concluded that the ancient population inhabited this area at the Early Holocene period, in the Mesolithic era. The introduction of a new archaeological material is made on the given background of a panorama of the history of the study of pre-ceramic complexes on Northern Baikal in 1960s – 2010s. The first stage started by V.V. Svinin and L.P. Khlobystin in the 1960s. The highest flourishing came at the end of the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s, when P.E. Shmygun, T.A. Abdulov and others discovered and investigated the group Kurla sites. In the subsequent period, archaeologists V.V. Svinin, A.V. Kharinsky and others were engaged mainly in archeological subjects from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages. But periodically the materials of the Mesolithic oblique came into view. In the latter case, these are finds from the Baltakhanova V site.

In July 2017, the archaeological expedition of the Irkutsk National Research Technical University... more In July 2017, the archaeological expedition of the Irkutsk National Research Technical University and the Ulaanbaatar State University conducted the excavations at the cemetery Nogoon Gozgor 1 in the northern Hubsugul area. Initially, the work was planned to be conducted at two funeral complexes no. 5 and 6. By the beginning of the excavation work, it was revealed that burial No. 6 had been plundered by modern robbers: in the center of the above-grave construction a predatory pier with a depth of up to 1,2 m was laid. In the dumps of the ejected soil, bones of a human, a sheep and remains of silk fabrics were found, on separate fragments of which there are images of peonies and parrots, a stylized cloudy and undulating ornamenta tion. On the location of the grave no. 5, an excavation area of 32 m2 is made. Under the oval masonry of 5×3 m in size at a depth of 75–80 cm from the modern surface of the earth, the remains of the buried woman are found, in the grave there are also remains of bokky – the birch bark frame of the headdress. Such a find in Northern Hubsugul Area was first met. As a result of the research it was established that the cemetery Nogoon Gozgor 1 dates back to the 13–14th centuries, was left by the indigenous population of the region, which undoubtedly was included in the global cultural and historical processes taking place
in Eurasia in the era of the Mongolian Empire.

During archaeological work on the northwestern shore of Lake Baikal in 2016, the archaeological t... more During archaeological work on the northwestern shore of Lake Baikal in 2016, the archaeological team of the Irkutsk National Research Technical University undertook the study of petroglyphs located at the foot of Cape Ludar. In addition to the two well-known points with drawings – Baikalskoe 23 and 14, all accessible rocky surfaces on the shores of Lake Baikal were inspected. As a result, one more site of petroglyphs was discovered, called the Cape Ludar. All petroglyphs are applied to the rock surface by using the ocher. Images predominate in the form of dots, spots and lines, there are tamga-shaped, zoomorphic and anthropomorphic images. The central place in the composition of location 3 of the Baikalskoe 14 is occupied by three figures of people with fork-like headdresses, interpreted as “shamans”. Petroglyphs of the Baikalskoye 14, Baikalskoye 23 and Cape Ludar at this stage of research, relying primarily on the artistic features of the images (simplicity and schematism) can be attributed to the “forest” (or “taiga”) petroglyphs of the Baikal region and to date within a wide chronological range – the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages, which corresponds to the second half of II – end of I millennium BC.

The article describes the main funeral practices of the population of the Baikal coast in the Bro... more The article describes the main funeral practices of the population of the Baikal coast in the Bronze Age (Shumilikha group, Glazkovo group, Butukhei group and Plate graves).On the basis of the accompanying inventory of burials we note the general level of evolution of material culture at each stage of Bronze Age in the presence of various funeral practices. Possibly this is due to the existence of various ethnic and cultural communities in the region as in Early Bronze Age and Late Bronze Age.

In 2014 we excavated the burial in sitting position on the shore of Lake Baikal (grave No. 15 of ... more In 2014 we excavated the burial in sitting position on the shore of Lake Baikal (grave No. 15 of the cemetery Shide I). For a number of characteristic features – the design features of the above-grave structure, the shape of the grave pit (rounded, shaft-like) and the burial of the buried (in sitting position) – this burial relates to the Shumilikha burial group of the Early Bronze Age in Baikal region.

In 2016, our expedition have excavated the Early Bronze burial of two persons at cape Uyuga of La... more In 2016, our expedition have excavated the Early Bronze burial of two persons at cape Uyuga of Lake Baikal coast. In the grave we found male and female skeletons, lying on their backs, hand in hand, heads to the west. Near the woman were a massive knife made of quartzite, bone awls and bone knife for cutting fish. There are 49 pendants of red deer teeth on the male skull. On his chest were three jade rings and one jade ring was in his eye socket. We also found some metal (bronze) implement in a small leather bag between male's kneecaps. For this burial we obtained two radiocarbon dates 4460±30 BP (Beta-453101) и 4390±30 BP (Beta-453102), which date it to the beginning of Early Bronze Age (Glazkovo stage).

This article is devoted to the ceramic complexes of Bronze Age of the Northwestern coast of Lake ... more This article is devoted to the ceramic complexes of Bronze Age of the Northwestern coast of Lake Baikal, which are the main source of information for this area. In Bronze Age the vessels were made by band method, after vessel walls were pressed by grooved mallets (ribbed, waffle and corded). In early stage of Bronze Age there is the continuity of the ceramic traditions of the Neolithic Age, expressed in preference round bottom vessels and their ornamentation of frequent impressions lines. By the end of Bronze Age is fixed phasing out of these traditions, it is began to prevail little relief ornament (Senogdinsky type pottery).

The Early Iron Age of the northwestern shore of Lake Baikal is characterized by artifacts of the ... more The Early Iron Age of the northwestern shore of Lake Baikal is characterized by artifacts of the Butukheysky type of burials and the Slab Graves, which are the latest such burial complexes in this part of Baikal Region. Judging by the campsite materials, there were no any qualitative changes in pottery in the Early Iron Age, because the ceramic techniques continued the traditions of the Late Bronze Age. The earthenware is presented with Senogdinsky type vessels with cord impressions (later version) and the smooth-walled multirolled ceramics where it is possible to identify only one type – Kovrizhkinsky type of pottery. It is remarkable that the number of well-made stoneware items is lowering, rough make of the vessels should also be noted which can testify to the degradation of stone manufacture technology, possibly due to introduction of metal ware.

Among the Neolithic and the Late Bronze – Early Iron Age ceramic complexes of the Baikal region t... more Among the Neolithic and the Late Bronze – Early Iron Age ceramic complexes of the Baikal region the special interest is concerned on vessels with imprints of net and cord on their outer surface. Over the years various researchers have repeatedly expressed the points of view on forming the vessels of these complexes. However, question of nature of the threads that make up the net and cord structures imprinted on the surface of ancient pottery is not specifically developed. In this regard it come in sight the idea to examine the materials of ethnography with the aim to identify practical natural materials used by the indigenous peoples of Siberia for manufacturing of such structures. The study found that the most popular materials for such production of all kinds of nets and cords were nettle (or hemp), horse hair and tendons.

The Senogdinsky ceramic type is one of the characteristic ceramic traditions of the Late Bronze –... more The Senogdinsky ceramic type is one of the characteristic ceramic traditions of the Late Bronze – Early Iron Age (14 – 3 centuries BC) in the Baikal region. It includes vessels with lower base-rings, their outer surface is covered entirely by cord impressions, which can be explained as the result of pottery making process. The pottery is decorated mostly by raised borders and small impressions encircling the top of the vessel.
Most researchers suppose that the emergence of this pottery on the coast of Lake Baikal at the end of the second millennium BC was caused by penetration of Central Asian plate graves culture.
At the archaeological sites of the Baikal region, this pottery is in a markedly fragmentary state. Not one whole vessel has been found. Therefore, most earlier researchers analyzing this pottery simply gave a description of the vessel form and ornamentation, and characterized it as part of their cultural-historical identity. In recent years, in addition to the typical traces of the use of a tool with wound corded threads on it (likely a beater or blade), we have been able to identify traces of smoothing on the inner surfaces of vessels.
The first group of such traces involves arched flat depressions. They are scattered randomly across the inner surface of the vessels. They might be a result of fingernail impressions left by the makers. Such a random spacing of fingernail impressions is explained by the handmade nature of the objects, sometimes using pebble. The second group of traces is polygonal or rounded in shape with small indentations on the inner surface easily isolated both visually and tactilely (sometimes imprints left by a pebble). Finally, the third group of includes long, horizontal grooves, superimposed on each other, which are marked around almost the entire circumference of the vessel. This print is a result of the use of a willow hoop which stabilized the rim during the process of the vessel formation. Such hoops are further known through ethnographic studies and materials used specifically in the pottery of some Siberian peoples, such as Yakut and Shor.
Thus it is evident that vessels of the Senogdinsky ceramic type were formed through a process of the manual modeling of clay coils. The clay elements were pressed together by a beater with wound corded threads (visible on the outside of the vessel) and the anvil-pebble (visible in the inside of the vessel).

In 1996, 1998 and 2015 along the North-Western coast of Lake Baikal from Cape Hibilen to Cape Ber... more In 1996, 1998 and 2015 along the North-Western coast of Lake Baikal from Cape Hibilen to
Cape Berla there were conducted the archaeological reconnaissance and 18 sites were discovered.
Findings are presented by open air artifacts including the remnants of ceramic vessels and stone
tools. The discovered sites are dated in the timespan between Upper Paleolithic and Iron Age. On
the top of Cape Berla there was found the forts-sacred places of the Iron Age Berla 1.

Ceramic fragments are most informative category finds at sites North-Western coast of Lake Baikal... more Ceramic fragments are most informative category finds at sites North-Western coast of Lake Baikal. In many cases it serves as the main marker of a particular ancient cultural community (or cultural stage) in district. Analysis of morphological and typological characteristics of ceramic vessels led to the conclusion that the North-Western coast of Lake Baikal in the Late Bronze Age (The Kurlinsky stage, XIII - VII centuries BC.) was part of the first extensive Glazkovsky cultural community of Baikal region (Glazkovsky ceramic type), then the broader Culture of the Plate Graves of Central Asia (Senogdinsky ceramic type), as their northern periphery. In addition, at this stage cultural contacts are recorded with the north-eastern region (Kurlinsky ceramic type), such as the Middle Vitim.

This paper is devoted to molding of vessels as a one of the most interesting stages of pottery ma... more This paper is devoted to molding of vessels as a one of the most interesting stages of pottery manufacturing. Author describes all known variants of construction of “cord” vessels typical for Cisbaikalia, mostly two pottery traditions of Early Neolithic (Khaitinsky type of pottery) and Late Bronze – Early Iron Age (Senogdinsky type of pottery). According to well-known versions of molding the vessels of these types author proposes some new conclusions based on his own observations and deciphering of some traits on the studied vessels.

Краткие сообщения Института археологии, 2024

In 2023 a group of archaeologists from Irkutsk National Research Technical University conducted e... more In 2023 a group of archaeologists from Irkutsk National Research Technical University conducted excavations of complex No. 3 at Ontkhe 1, which is a cemetery dating to the Neolithic – Early Bronze Age. The stone structure of a rounded shape was made up of stones placed in one layer over the soil. A man-made pit was discovered under the stone layer. In the infill stones of red color, ashes and charcoals were recorded. On the bottom of the pit archaeological material was discovered, namely, a chisel made of slatestone; a pebble hammerstone; a knife (biface) made of quartzite; a flint end-scraper on flake; and a ceramic vessel decorated with dotted line – combed ecoration. The artifacts were scattered over the bottom. No human remains and other bone fragments were found during the excavations, which makes typological interpretation of the association difficult. The purpose of the article is to introduce the materials of the excavated complex into scientific circulation, parallel with its cultural, hronological and typological interpretation. Based on a comparative typological analysis of the archaeological material, topographical and structural features of the association, it was established that the excavated construction is a burial performed according to the cremation rite directly in the grave pit and is related to the Serovo burial tradition of the Late Neolithic Olkhon region which corresponds to the early 4th – middle of the 3rd millennia BC.

Известия Лаборатории древних технологий, 2024

In 2024 marks the 140th birthday of the founder of the Irkutsk School of Archaeology, professor o... more In 2024 marks the 140th birthday of the founder of the Irkutsk School of Archaeology, professor of the Irkutsk University B.E. Petri. In 1923-1924 he made several scientific expeditions to the Northern Mongolia. In search of sites of Neolithic man, similar to Ulan-Khada on Baikal, in 1923 he had surveyed the eastern shore of Lake Kosogol (Khubsugul). The results of this expedition were briefly described by B.E. Petri in a small work «Ancient Lake Kosogol (Mongolia)» in 1926. On the basis of modern maps, the exploration routes of this expedition and the locations of 9 out of 10 pick-up points have been established. The finds collected by B.E. Petri, presented mainly fragments of ceramic vessels and objects made of stone, are now stored in the funds of the Irkutsk Regional Museum of Local History named after N.N. Muraviev-Amursky, making up a total of 5 collections (759, 760, 763, 764, 766) from 8 locations (Alaksyr, Dalbai, Anchikatan, Morin-Toskul, Noyn-Gol, Shoshul, Tana and Khanga). Among the fragments of ceramics, groups with mesh, cord, ribbed, waffle and smooth surfaces stand out. The ornament is represented by molded ridges, “pearls”, impressions of receding ornaments and drawn lines. The stone collection includes: flakes and blades with retouching and without traces of further processing, ski-shaped spalls, wedge-shaped and prismatic cores, tools (arrowheads, end-scrapers, side-scrapers, burins and combined tools). Based on the comparative and typological analysis of archaeological material, it was found that almost the entire collection from the eastern shore of Lake Khubsugul, collected by B.E. Petri in 1923, finds direct analogies in the materials of the sites and the burial grounds on Lake Baikal and dates back to the end of 7-yearof the summer millennium BC - the middle of the 1st thousand.

Известия Лаборатории древних технологий. 22. Т. 18. № 1. , 2022

Stone kurgans are one of the most famous types of archaeological sites found on the Oka plateau ... more Stone kurgans are one of the most famous types of archaeological sites found on the Oka plateau of the Eastern Sa￾yan (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 un￾earthed 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 trac￾es 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. Prelim￾inarily, these structures can be characterized as cenotaphs or memorials, simultaneously performing the marking functions on the territory inhabited by their builders.

Reports of the Laboratory of Ancient Technologies, 2023

In the summer of 2023 the participants of the expedition «On the routes of Petr Kuzmich Kozlov» c... 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.

Theory and Practice of Archaeological Research, 2024

The article examines the results of excavations of complex 1 of the Sharza-3 burial ground in the... 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 north￾west. 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

Reports of the Laboratory of Ancient Technologies Vol. 16 no. 1 , 2020

From 1975 to 2015, archaeological research was carried out in the southwestern part of the Verkhn... more From 1975 to 2015, archaeological research was carried out in the southwestern part of the Verkhneangarsky Basin (North Baikal), in which scholars of various scientific divisions took part. At the moment, 17 archaeological sites are known in the area. They are located on the shores of the lakes of Irkana, Uptinskoye, Chumbuki (Moklya) and the river Kotera. The find-ings found on them are few in number, but their morphological, technological, and ornamental features make it possible to speak of cultural ties or even unity with the inhabitants of the Baikal coast throughout the VI millennium BC. – II millennium AD. The only burial ground investigated to date in the southwestern part of the Upper Angara Basin, Chumbuki 2, is tentatively dated to the end of the 7th – the middle of the 12th centuries AD. Two burial sites were excavated at the necropolis, which were located under the stone gravestones. The deceased were laid elongated in a birch bark bag and their head was oriented east – northeast. Iron knives, a ring, a ceramic spindle, a bone needle container were found in the burials. The funeral ritual noted at the cemetery finds a wide range of analogies in the territory of the Baikal region. Such graves are combined into a group of Harantsy-type graves dating from the end of the VIII – the middle of the XIV centuries. It is possible that the Upper Angara Basin was the center of the formation of this funerary tradition.

Кичигин Д.Е., Емельянова Ю.А., Коростелев А.М. Парное погребение раннего бронзового века могильника Мыс Уюга. Известия Лаборатории древних технологий. 2019. Т. 15. № 2. С. 29–46 (in Russian), 2019

In 2016, an expedition of the Laboratory of Archaeology, Paleoecology and Systems of Subsistence ... more In 2016, an expedition of the Laboratory of Archaeology, Paleoecology and Systems of Subsistence of the People of
Northern Asia of Irkutsk National Research Technical University had excavated the Early Bronze Age burial of two persons of cemetery Mys Uyuga (western coast of Lake Baikal). The tombstone structure was severely damaged. Only the stones of the northeast sector of the masonry and the slabs covering the skeleton A (the 3rd level of stones) are preserved. Buried man (skeleton A) and woman (skeleton B) were laid on a specially prepared rock surface, close to each other, touching hands. They lie on their backs with their heads to the West. The remains of a birch bark were found on the bones of these two human individuals. On the skeleton A skull were found 49 pendants made of red deer teeth. On his chest were three rings made of light jade. Another such ring was in the left eye-socket. We also found one metal (bronze) thing in a small leather bag between his knees and tarbagan marmot fangs on the feet. In the area of the skeleton B head was found an implement set consisting of a massive knife made of quartzite tile and three points made of bone (awls and a knife); under the right pelvic bone was a knife made of quartzite flake. We have three radiocarbon dates taken by from the both individuals teeth. Taking into account its correction for the reservoir effect the burial No. 2 of Mys Uyuga cemetery was committed in the middle of III millennium BC.

Тетенькин А.В., Кичигин Д.Е., Коростелев А.М. Новое археологическое местонахождение эпохи каменного века Балтаханова V (Северный Байкал). Известия Лаборатории древних технологий. 2019. Т. 15. № 1. С. 46–63 (in Russian), 2019

In 2016, the North Baikal Archeological Expedition of INRTU discovered a new archaeological site ... more In 2016, the North Baikal Archeological Expedition of INRTU discovered a new archaeological site Baltakhanova V on the north-west coast of Lake Baikal. The collection of the first finds does not contain ceramics. For a number of typological signs, the complex of artifacts is characterized as Mesolithic. Along with the lack of ceramics, the main typological arguments of this assessment are the middle-angle burin, the end-scraper on the crest spall from the biface, microblade products, the transversal burin spall, and pebble tools. Taking into account the Mesolithic-like findings at a number of other locations in the Baltakhanov Bay area, it was concluded that the ancient population inhabited this area at the Early Holocene period, in the Mesolithic era. The introduction of a new archaeological material is made on the given background of a panorama of the history of the study of pre-ceramic complexes on Northern Baikal in 1960s – 2010s. The first stage started by V.V. Svinin and L.P. Khlobystin in the 1960s. The highest flourishing came at the end of the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s, when P.E. Shmygun, T.A. Abdulov and others discovered and investigated the group Kurla sites. In the subsequent period, archaeologists V.V. Svinin, A.V. Kharinsky and others were engaged mainly in archeological subjects from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages. But periodically the materials of the Mesolithic oblique came into view. In the latter case, these are finds from the Baltakhanova V site.

In July 2017, the archaeological expedition of the Irkutsk National Research Technical University... more In July 2017, the archaeological expedition of the Irkutsk National Research Technical University and the Ulaanbaatar State University conducted the excavations at the cemetery Nogoon Gozgor 1 in the northern Hubsugul area. Initially, the work was planned to be conducted at two funeral complexes no. 5 and 6. By the beginning of the excavation work, it was revealed that burial No. 6 had been plundered by modern robbers: in the center of the above-grave construction a predatory pier with a depth of up to 1,2 m was laid. In the dumps of the ejected soil, bones of a human, a sheep and remains of silk fabrics were found, on separate fragments of which there are images of peonies and parrots, a stylized cloudy and undulating ornamenta tion. On the location of the grave no. 5, an excavation area of 32 m2 is made. Under the oval masonry of 5×3 m in size at a depth of 75–80 cm from the modern surface of the earth, the remains of the buried woman are found, in the grave there are also remains of bokky – the birch bark frame of the headdress. Such a find in Northern Hubsugul Area was first met. As a result of the research it was established that the cemetery Nogoon Gozgor 1 dates back to the 13–14th centuries, was left by the indigenous population of the region, which undoubtedly was included in the global cultural and historical processes taking place
in Eurasia in the era of the Mongolian Empire.

During archaeological work on the northwestern shore of Lake Baikal in 2016, the archaeological t... more During archaeological work on the northwestern shore of Lake Baikal in 2016, the archaeological team of the Irkutsk National Research Technical University undertook the study of petroglyphs located at the foot of Cape Ludar. In addition to the two well-known points with drawings – Baikalskoe 23 and 14, all accessible rocky surfaces on the shores of Lake Baikal were inspected. As a result, one more site of petroglyphs was discovered, called the Cape Ludar. All petroglyphs are applied to the rock surface by using the ocher. Images predominate in the form of dots, spots and lines, there are tamga-shaped, zoomorphic and anthropomorphic images. The central place in the composition of location 3 of the Baikalskoe 14 is occupied by three figures of people with fork-like headdresses, interpreted as “shamans”. Petroglyphs of the Baikalskoye 14, Baikalskoye 23 and Cape Ludar at this stage of research, relying primarily on the artistic features of the images (simplicity and schematism) can be attributed to the “forest” (or “taiga”) petroglyphs of the Baikal region and to date within a wide chronological range – the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages, which corresponds to the second half of II – end of I millennium BC.

The article describes the main funeral practices of the population of the Baikal coast in the Bro... more The article describes the main funeral practices of the population of the Baikal coast in the Bronze Age (Shumilikha group, Glazkovo group, Butukhei group and Plate graves).On the basis of the accompanying inventory of burials we note the general level of evolution of material culture at each stage of Bronze Age in the presence of various funeral practices. Possibly this is due to the existence of various ethnic and cultural communities in the region as in Early Bronze Age and Late Bronze Age.

In 2014 we excavated the burial in sitting position on the shore of Lake Baikal (grave No. 15 of ... more In 2014 we excavated the burial in sitting position on the shore of Lake Baikal (grave No. 15 of the cemetery Shide I). For a number of characteristic features – the design features of the above-grave structure, the shape of the grave pit (rounded, shaft-like) and the burial of the buried (in sitting position) – this burial relates to the Shumilikha burial group of the Early Bronze Age in Baikal region.

In 2016, our expedition have excavated the Early Bronze burial of two persons at cape Uyuga of La... more In 2016, our expedition have excavated the Early Bronze burial of two persons at cape Uyuga of Lake Baikal coast. In the grave we found male and female skeletons, lying on their backs, hand in hand, heads to the west. Near the woman were a massive knife made of quartzite, bone awls and bone knife for cutting fish. There are 49 pendants of red deer teeth on the male skull. On his chest were three jade rings and one jade ring was in his eye socket. We also found some metal (bronze) implement in a small leather bag between male's kneecaps. For this burial we obtained two radiocarbon dates 4460±30 BP (Beta-453101) и 4390±30 BP (Beta-453102), which date it to the beginning of Early Bronze Age (Glazkovo stage).

This article is devoted to the ceramic complexes of Bronze Age of the Northwestern coast of Lake ... more This article is devoted to the ceramic complexes of Bronze Age of the Northwestern coast of Lake Baikal, which are the main source of information for this area. In Bronze Age the vessels were made by band method, after vessel walls were pressed by grooved mallets (ribbed, waffle and corded). In early stage of Bronze Age there is the continuity of the ceramic traditions of the Neolithic Age, expressed in preference round bottom vessels and their ornamentation of frequent impressions lines. By the end of Bronze Age is fixed phasing out of these traditions, it is began to prevail little relief ornament (Senogdinsky type pottery).

The Early Iron Age of the northwestern shore of Lake Baikal is characterized by artifacts of the ... more The Early Iron Age of the northwestern shore of Lake Baikal is characterized by artifacts of the Butukheysky type of burials and the Slab Graves, which are the latest such burial complexes in this part of Baikal Region. Judging by the campsite materials, there were no any qualitative changes in pottery in the Early Iron Age, because the ceramic techniques continued the traditions of the Late Bronze Age. The earthenware is presented with Senogdinsky type vessels with cord impressions (later version) and the smooth-walled multirolled ceramics where it is possible to identify only one type – Kovrizhkinsky type of pottery. It is remarkable that the number of well-made stoneware items is lowering, rough make of the vessels should also be noted which can testify to the degradation of stone manufacture technology, possibly due to introduction of metal ware.

Among the Neolithic and the Late Bronze – Early Iron Age ceramic complexes of the Baikal region t... more Among the Neolithic and the Late Bronze – Early Iron Age ceramic complexes of the Baikal region the special interest is concerned on vessels with imprints of net and cord on their outer surface. Over the years various researchers have repeatedly expressed the points of view on forming the vessels of these complexes. However, question of nature of the threads that make up the net and cord structures imprinted on the surface of ancient pottery is not specifically developed. In this regard it come in sight the idea to examine the materials of ethnography with the aim to identify practical natural materials used by the indigenous peoples of Siberia for manufacturing of such structures. The study found that the most popular materials for such production of all kinds of nets and cords were nettle (or hemp), horse hair and tendons.

The Senogdinsky ceramic type is one of the characteristic ceramic traditions of the Late Bronze –... more The Senogdinsky ceramic type is one of the characteristic ceramic traditions of the Late Bronze – Early Iron Age (14 – 3 centuries BC) in the Baikal region. It includes vessels with lower base-rings, their outer surface is covered entirely by cord impressions, which can be explained as the result of pottery making process. The pottery is decorated mostly by raised borders and small impressions encircling the top of the vessel.
Most researchers suppose that the emergence of this pottery on the coast of Lake Baikal at the end of the second millennium BC was caused by penetration of Central Asian plate graves culture.
At the archaeological sites of the Baikal region, this pottery is in a markedly fragmentary state. Not one whole vessel has been found. Therefore, most earlier researchers analyzing this pottery simply gave a description of the vessel form and ornamentation, and characterized it as part of their cultural-historical identity. In recent years, in addition to the typical traces of the use of a tool with wound corded threads on it (likely a beater or blade), we have been able to identify traces of smoothing on the inner surfaces of vessels.
The first group of such traces involves arched flat depressions. They are scattered randomly across the inner surface of the vessels. They might be a result of fingernail impressions left by the makers. Such a random spacing of fingernail impressions is explained by the handmade nature of the objects, sometimes using pebble. The second group of traces is polygonal or rounded in shape with small indentations on the inner surface easily isolated both visually and tactilely (sometimes imprints left by a pebble). Finally, the third group of includes long, horizontal grooves, superimposed on each other, which are marked around almost the entire circumference of the vessel. This print is a result of the use of a willow hoop which stabilized the rim during the process of the vessel formation. Such hoops are further known through ethnographic studies and materials used specifically in the pottery of some Siberian peoples, such as Yakut and Shor.
Thus it is evident that vessels of the Senogdinsky ceramic type were formed through a process of the manual modeling of clay coils. The clay elements were pressed together by a beater with wound corded threads (visible on the outside of the vessel) and the anvil-pebble (visible in the inside of the vessel).

In 1996, 1998 and 2015 along the North-Western coast of Lake Baikal from Cape Hibilen to Cape Ber... more In 1996, 1998 and 2015 along the North-Western coast of Lake Baikal from Cape Hibilen to
Cape Berla there were conducted the archaeological reconnaissance and 18 sites were discovered.
Findings are presented by open air artifacts including the remnants of ceramic vessels and stone
tools. The discovered sites are dated in the timespan between Upper Paleolithic and Iron Age. On
the top of Cape Berla there was found the forts-sacred places of the Iron Age Berla 1.

Ceramic fragments are most informative category finds at sites North-Western coast of Lake Baikal... more Ceramic fragments are most informative category finds at sites North-Western coast of Lake Baikal. In many cases it serves as the main marker of a particular ancient cultural community (or cultural stage) in district. Analysis of morphological and typological characteristics of ceramic vessels led to the conclusion that the North-Western coast of Lake Baikal in the Late Bronze Age (The Kurlinsky stage, XIII - VII centuries BC.) was part of the first extensive Glazkovsky cultural community of Baikal region (Glazkovsky ceramic type), then the broader Culture of the Plate Graves of Central Asia (Senogdinsky ceramic type), as their northern periphery. In addition, at this stage cultural contacts are recorded with the north-eastern region (Kurlinsky ceramic type), such as the Middle Vitim.

This paper is devoted to molding of vessels as a one of the most interesting stages of pottery ma... more This paper is devoted to molding of vessels as a one of the most interesting stages of pottery manufacturing. Author describes all known variants of construction of “cord” vessels typical for Cisbaikalia, mostly two pottery traditions of Early Neolithic (Khaitinsky type of pottery) and Late Bronze – Early Iron Age (Senogdinsky type of pottery). According to well-known versions of molding the vessels of these types author proposes some new conclusions based on his own observations and deciphering of some traits on the studied vessels.