Fish in Burial Practice of the Sargat Culture Population of the Early Iron Age of the Baraba Forest-Steppe (According to the Materials of the Mound No. 51 of the Ust-Tartas Burial Ground)

Purpose. The Sargat culture fish remains are still given very little attention. The purpose of this work is to present materials that testify to the use of fish in the burial practice of the Sargat population of Baraba.

Finds (artefacts). In the field season of 2022, the Toguchin team of the IAET SB RAS explored the mound no. 51 of the Ust-Tartas burial ground of the Sargat culture. Among the various artifacts found on the mound territory there were objects containing animal bones, and objects containing fish remains, as well as objects containing both animal bones and fish remains.

Methods. Preparation of the osteological collection of fish remains was carried out in 2022–2023 using a cameral processing method. The collection contains mainly scales, bones of the visceral part of the skeleton of the head, bones of the skull. Fragments of the axial skeleton (vertebrae, Weberian apparatus, urostyle) and pharyngeal teeth appear in a smaller number. In the pocess of the collection formation, it was found that the best preservation of samples is ensured by materials that have not been preliminary washed and cleaned: the bone structures are less brittle. Therefore, fragments of the fish skeleton were separated from the soil in the laboratory.

Results. For the most part, accumulations of fish remains are represented by large specimens of older age groups (from 7+ years, mostly 10+ and more). The identified species composition of fish in samples of the Early Iron Age includes representatives of the family Cyprinidae (ide Leuciscus idus, goldfish Carassius gibelio) and family Percidae (perch Perca fluviatilis). In addition to the listed species, remains of the family Acipenseridae (sterlet Acipenser ruthenus) and the family Cyprinidae (golden crucian carp C. Carassius) were noted in the earlier objects. Object 10 stands out: it is a butt containing not only tools and animal bones, but also fish remains. For the first time, the fact of fish use in the funeral rite of the Sargatians was revealed. The fish remains in the mound testify that the population of the Sargat culture who created this site practiced fishing along with their main occupation – cattle breeding.

Conclusion. Materials of the mound no. 51 of the Ust-Tartas burial ground, containing fish remains, are an example of the local population adaptation to the natural environment. The Tai tract was a natural oasis, which not only provided a forage base for livestock but also ensured an easy catch of fish. Human adaptation to the natural conditions in the Baraba region was quite successful, as evidenced by the fact that fish was a part of the funeral rite along with products of animal origin. It was often included in butts in some objects, which correlates with sacred actions.

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