Bronze Casting Complex of the Markovo-2 Settlement of Odino Culture

Abstract

Purpose. Metalworking production of the Early Bronze Age in Western Siberia is discussed in this article. Results. The first signs of local production can be traced to the beginning of the third millennium BC in Odino culture settlements occupying a vast area of the Ob-Irtysh forest-steppe. At present, foundry production has been identified at Stary Tartas-5, Tartas-1 and Markovo-2 settlements. The materials of the first two complexes have been published. This article is devoted to the introduction of the Markovo-2 bronze casting complex, examination of the archaeological context of finding materials, and description of the structure and objects inside it. The traces of intensive foundry activity were found in only one dwelling at the settlement. This can be explained by specialization and concentration of production in the hands of certain groups within the settlement population. Planigraphic and stratigraphic analysis make it possible to reconstruct this dwelling as a surface structure with a slightly elongated oval shape. The production complex consisted of a smelter and a utility pit located in the central part of the dwelling. The finds from the filling are represented by fragments of at least five clay molds and two melting pots. For each bronze casting item, a complete description, data from binocular analysis of molding masses, analogies and reconstruction of the manufacturing method are provided. Conclusion. Based on the research, it was concluded that the metalworking traditions, techniques, equipment and tools formed in Odin culture are spread over the vast territories of the Siberian forest-steppe zone and continue to exist within Krotovo culture. The Odino sites in the Baraba forest-steppe date to the first half of the third millennium BC. It is concluded that the evidence of the bronze casting industry found at Markovo-2 is the earliest in that region, and that its level in Odino culture was high.