Purpose. The period of the most intensive contacts of the ancient population of the Korean peninsula and the Japanese Islands (3^rd - 7^th centuries AD) is of special interest for study. The period witnessed a wide spread of the tradition of building burial mounds (kurgans). Due to the artifacts found in the kurgans, it becomes possible to study various aspects of the people’s social life, including cultural contacts. We aimed at studying territorial alliances based on the cultural and historical background, such as the spread of agriculture based on wet rice cultivation, bronze and iron production, the emergence of states. Results. The kurgan tradition on the Korean peninsula is associated with the era of the Three Kingdoms (3^rd - 7^th centuries AD). The tradition of erecting mounds started in Koguryo state in the 1^st century BC, then from the 3^rd century AD it continued in Baekje, Silla and Kaya, and disappeared in the middle of the 6^th century AD because of adopting Buddhism. Common barrows had stone embankments, but they are also found with earthen mounds. Burial chambers were first constructed vertically, then horizontal ones appeared. On the Japanese Islands, kurgans first appeared during the Yayoi period (3^rd century BC - 3^rd century AD) and were widely constructed during the Kofun period (3^rd - 7^th centuries AD). The barrows had earthen embankments with burial chambers inside. The barrows differed in the form of their embankment and size. The burials of the Kofun period in Japan continued the Yayoi period traditions to a certain extent. They had earthen embankments and were decorated with bronze mirrors and stone ornaments in the burial chambers. In addition, their feature is clay haniva figurines around the perimeter of the embankment. Starting from approximately the 5^th century AD, there began to appear a certain homogeneity in the funerary structures of the Korean peninsula and the Japanese archipelago. Sueci ceramics became a typical element of the funeral rite, as well as bronze and iron objects, gold jewelry and luxury items which appeared in burial chambers. The construction of kurgans acquired some new features, such as stone chambers with side corridors. Both on the Korean Peninsula and the Japanese Islands, we observe similar types of embankments, such as round ( embun ), square ( ho:fun ), double round ( so:embun ), double square ( so:ho:fun ) and in the form of a “Japanese sea scallop” ( hatategaishikikofun ). Conclusion. The study of the structural features of the kurgans on the Korean Peninsula and the Japanese Islands allows us to conclude that there are similarities in the forms and materials of embankments and the forms of burial chamber construction. The main difference is the larger size of Japanese kurgans. The similarities we revealed can be explained by the mutual influence of the population of the Korean peninsula and the Japanese islands.

Purpose . We show the main directions of work of the West Siberian archaeological detachment (team) of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography SB RAS, demonstrate the methods used and present the results and the possibilities of their interpretation. Results. In 2018, the West Siberian archaeological detachment celebrates the 45^th anniversary of its formation. The long-term head of the team is academician V. I. Molodin. All studies are carried out within the framework of a multidisciplinary approach starting from the search for archaeological objects (sites Tartas-1, Vengerovo-2, -2A, -6, Staryi Tartas-5, Ust’-Tartas-1,-2; Chicha-1, Vengerovo-6 and others) to their laboratory investigation. We widely apply a range of analytical methods in all of our activities including almost all stages of research: from the search for archaeological sites to their processing in close cooperation with various scientists. We collaborate with specialists from the Institute of Geology and Mineralogy SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia; the Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia; the Institute of Solid State Chemistry and Mechanochemistry SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia; the Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia; the Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia; Novosibirsk National Research State University, Novosibirsk, Russia; the Center of Collective Use (CCU) “Geochronology of Cenozoic”, Novosibirsk, Russia; Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Ludwig-Maximilian Munich Institute, Munich, Germany; the Center of Archaeology of Kurt Engelhorn, Mannheim, Germany and others. Conсlusion. Studies of the West Siberian archaeological detachment, which were carried out over the recent two decades, have provided new data that develop existing points of view, clarify existing concepts or allow to build new concepts of historical and cultural processes. It is obvious that the modern paradigm of science requires participation of specialists in natural sciences at all stages of archaeological research.

Purpose . The article is aimed at a comprehensive description of progress in the studies of the metal compounds as the material for orthodox cross pendants found if Siberia and the Far East and produced in the late 16^th - 19^th centuries. To achieve the purpose, this article contains a historical survey of the studies devoted to the topic, outlines a set of relevant issues and objectives, and identifies most promising directions for further research. Results . There are few publications related to the composition analysis of the metal of staurographical collections, so the article reviews each of them. The historiographical analysis conducted allowed us to outline a set of relevant issues related to the study of cross pendants’ metal composition. All of the issues were divided into three stages determining the way of resolving them and three groups describing their relation to the task of the historical reality reconstruction: technical issues (e. g., forming a source base, inconsistency of the metal composition in the product body, comparability of results of the metal composition analysis performed with the use of different devices including those based on different physical principles), methodological issues (e. g., connection between the metal composition and phenomena, processes and events of the historical reality, integration of the metal composition analysis results into the general context of archaeological research, development of the chronological scale of alloys) and issues related to the historical reality reconstruction (e. g., determination of casting centers and workshops, classification of cross pendants by alloy composition while using non-ferrous scrap to manufacture cross pendants, identification of products manufactured from fully identical alloys, correlation between the metal composition of cross pendants and their morphological attributes, identification of vintage products, integration of the historical reality data obtained based on the composition analysis of the metal into other aspects of history and archaeology of the objects belonging to the period of the Russian development of Siberia and the Far East). Conclusion . Our summary of the history, issues and objectives of the composition analysis of the cross pendants metal compounds manufactured in Siberia and the Far East in the late 16^th - 19^th century has showed that there are conditions for full or partial resolving the issues listed above and subsequent enhancement of the information potential of the staurographical materials to reconstruct the historical reality of the period of the Russian development of the trans-Urals regions of Russia.

Purpose. The Ust’-Kova site is one of the most famous Upper Paleolithic multi-layered sites of the Northern Angara region in which ivory artifacts were found. The postulate that works of art could play a decisive role in highlighting local differences in the Upper Paleolithic of Eurasia remains a topical one. This figure of the mammoth is a rare case of a zoomorphic Paleolithic image in general and a unique image of this animal in a Siberian archaic tradition, in comparison with the known images found in Europe and on the Russian Plain. Restoration work on this unique figure of the mammoth opened up new possibilities for a comprehensive microscopic study related to the technology of manufacturing art figures and the analysis of paints on their surface. Results. To determine the elemental composition of paint on the surface of the figure, we used the scanning electron microscopy method and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. This allowed us to study the microstructure of the paint, determine the elemental composition of the pigment in the sample and its quantitative indices. We distinguished black paint with domination of manganese, iron and magnesium and red paint with the dominance of chlorine, phosphorus, alum inosilicates, iron, manganese. In the latter case, we definitely identify an artificial pigment, as indicated by a wide range of additives. Conclusion. As a result of experimental and technological research, we established that the process of making the figure occurred in several stages. On every stage we reveal peculiarities of using the tools. High efficiency of the manufacturer's work is evident due to using the minimum of the tool kit, only a planning knife and a pair of cutters. Small details of the figure remained unworked. They are unlikely to be a consequence of the personal abilities of the work of the ancient master. The master did not use such tools as a carver or a simple drill. This can be considered a characteristic detail of the process of manufacturing. Relative primitiveness of the item is probably due to the scantiness of the toolkit and the relatively low level of technology development during the period studied. In general, the figurative art of the Ust’-Kova site is characterized by geometrized stylization, primitive surface treatment, lack of detail and ornamentation, which gives it a peculiar individuality.

Purpose. Since the 1970s, about a dozen caves and rock shelters have been discovered and explored in the limestone massifs of the Cuc Phuong National Park (North Vietnam), in which stone artifacts, human remains and animal bones belonging to the late Paleolithic-Neolithic period have been found. Archaeological research of the 2012 joint Russian Vietnamese archaeological expedition extended the list of archaeological sites with a newly discovered cave Diem with a large number of stone products, the complex of faunal and anthropological material. The height of the cave Diem above sea level is 100 m, the entrance is oriented to the North-East. The illuminated entrance part of the cave has a tube-like shape about 30 m long and 5 to 10 m wide. Extending deep into the limestone massif in the form of karst cavities, the cave has a total area of about 500 m². Results. In 2013, the site explored in 2012 had the excavation area of 5 m². In 2014, the area of the excavation was expanded in the North-West direction by 3 m², thus the total of the investigated area was 9 m². In addition to the mechanically mixed upper layer, which included multi-temporal cultural remains, three large cultural and lithological units, numbering 2 118 stone artifacts belonging to the late Paleolithic - Neolithic were identified during the excavation work. In the first cultural-lithological division, there were 39 fragments of ceramics along with stone products. The anthropological material found is represented by a cluster of highly charred and fragmented human bones, presumably of one person. In layer 2, apart from the stone products researchers found a burial of a man whose bone remains were fragmented but were not exposed to fire, as in layer 1. In the roof of layer 3, there was discovered a burial of a woman. More than 1000 bone fragments of reptiles, birds and mammals were collected within the two lower cultural-lithological units. Conclusion . The ceramics found in layer 1 of the Diem cave allows us to correlate it with the Neolithic culture of Da But, whose period of existence varies in the range of 7000-4000 ka. A powerful block horizon located in layer 2 indicates a strong earthquake whose traces are observed in the same stratigraphic conditions in all the caves of the region under study. The absence of ceramics in cultural unit 2 can be attributed to the early Holocene period (about 10 000 ka). The estimated age of layer 3 of the Diem cave is currently difficult to define. Based on preliminary results, we can suppose that this location belongs to cave sites of the commune Thanh Yen, such as Con Moong and Mang Chieng. Culturally and chronologically it corresponds to the culture of Hoa Binh.

The article discusses the development of Middle Paleolithic assemblages in Caucasus during MIS5. The majority of Middle Paleolithic Caucasus archaeological sites are located in Southern Caucasus and along the Black Sea coast. In Northeastern Caucasus only a few exposed lithic assemblages were reported that demonstrate technical and typological characteristics typical for the Middle Paleolithic. During the last decade more than 20 Paleolithic sites including several multilayered occupations in the Darvagchai and Rubas River basins have been discovered. The assemblages from Coastal Dagestan sites like Rubas-1 (layer 3), Darvagchai-zaliv-1 (complex 2), Chumus-Inic, Rubas-2-5 etc. should be associated with the Middle Paleolithic. Cultural bearing layers of the majority of the sites had been included in the pebble glomeration, dated to Late Khazar time (0,2-0,1 Ma). The total number of artifacts in these assemblages is ~ 1700 items. Most of them (~ 1400 items) were found in the stratified sediments (Rubas-1 (layer 3), Darvagchai-zaliv-1 (complex 2), etc.). Results. The techniques of parallel unifacial, radial and Levallois flaking are typical for the Middle Paleolithic complexes of Coastal Dagestan. Generally, these assemblages can be characterized as non-Levallois and non-laminar (Ilam ~ 10), with the limited presence of Levallois technique and low faceting indices (IL and IF < 20). However, Levallois technique produced both elongated blanks, including points, and flakes. Narrow-faced cores were rarely used. Flakes were used as tool-blanks. Such tools as side-scrapers, denticulate, notched tools and perforators dominate in the tool kits. Levallois and Mousterian points were rare. There are many rough end-scrapers and knifes found, but Upper Paleolithic types of tools, such as burins, borers, etc., are sporadic. Limaces were rare. Truncated-faceted tools with base rejuvenation and bifaces typical for different Caucasus Middle Paleolithic assemblages have not been identified. Coastal Dagestan Middle Paleolithic sites demonstrate significant differences with synchronous Caucasus assemblages (Kudaro I Cave (layers 4-3), Kudaro III Cave (layers 4-3), Cona Cave (layer 5) in South Ossetia; Djurchula Cave, Copi I Cave in Georgia; Myshtulagty-lagat Cave (layers 14-12) in North Ossetia; Erevanskaya Cave (layers 7-5А), Hovk-I Cave (layers 12-8) in Armenia; Azih Cave (layer III) in Azerbaijan). Conclusion. Comparison of Coastal Dagestan sites with other Caucasus Middle Paleolithic sites has revealed significant differences between them. However, during the early stages of occupations, Dagestan Middle Paleolithic sites share some similarities with the Zagros-Taurus Middle Paleolithic (together with South Caucasus sites). We conclude that the Dagestan Middle Paleolithic assemblages investigated represent a local variant of the Middle Eastern Middle Paleolithic.

Purpose. The troves and hiding places containing iron tools in the Middle Yenisei region are located in the Nazarovskaya, the Chulymo-Yeniseiskaya and the Minusinskaya hollows. The study of the artifacts from these troves and hiding places helps to date them, interpret and systematize such collections of items. We aimed at providing absolute and relative dating for the artifacts found. Results. It is possible to systematize the sites where the troves and hiding places containing iron tools are located on the basis of their hydrographic or orographic viscinity. The hydrographic context implies characterizing the location of a trove or a hiding place next to different water basins, such as rivers, lakes, etc., including river tributaries. The orographic context is considered as the location of a trove or a hiding place in a certain mountainous landscape, including mountain peaks, slopes, mound feet, mountain gorges, valleys, etc. Based on these criteria, the Middle Yenisei troves and hiding places belonging to the Hun-Sarmatian time were divided into two groups from the territorial point of view. The first group, which was identified according to the hydrographic location, includes the Askyrovskii, Sharypovskii, Shirinskii, Lugavskii, Shunerskii troves and hiding places and those located on the Ostrov Gladkii. The second group, which was located in a mountainous landscape, includes the Kasangol’skii, Sagarkhaiskii, Uibatskii, Ust’-Kamyshtinskii, 1st and 2nd Askizskii, Dzhirimskii troves and hiding places.The sets of iron tools discovered, which included different axes, ice breaks and iron breakers, stone hammers and adzes, allow us not only to relate and synchronize a whole array of troves, but also to significantly elaborate the interpretation of items within the framework of their functional purpose. Some troves containing iron tools were accompanied with adjacent small hiding places with similar sets of iron tools. Conclusion. Summarizing the results of the discussion on the Middle Yenisei troves and hiding places containing different sets of iron tools, we can conclude the following. Firstly, based on the combination of several item complexes belonging to different periods of time, i. e. the Tagar time, the Hun time, the Bronze Age and sets of various iron tools, we should pay attention to the peculiarities of different collections, which help to determine a relative chronological distribution of the troves. Secondly, a number of the Middle Yenisei troves containing iron tools have a feature of being located in close vicinity to similar sets of tools buried in hiding places. This peculiarity is quite common for the Middle Yenisei troves as it has been consistently registered in a few cases, e. g., the Iyusskii trove, one located next to the town of Krasny Iyuss; the 1^st and 2^nd Kosogolskii Troves, etc. Thirdly, the presence of iron tools and sets of items inside a trove or a nearby hiding place can be directly related to the character of its production specialization, e. g., a caster's trove or a miner’s trove containing a set of tools for mining activities. On the whole, identification and study of troves and hiding places containing sets of various iron tools opens new perspectives for relative dating, interpreting and systematizing such collections of artifacts.

Purpose. We considered and analyzed the finds of iron arrowheads from a small collection of armament objects for long-range combat related to the epoch of Kyrgyz Great Power. The collection is exhibited at the moment in the National Museum of the Kyrgyz Republic in Bishkek City. Results. Precise location of these objects is not determined. However, it is known that all these objects of armament originate from the territory of modern Kyrgyzstan. The arrowheads from the collection have been preserved quite well, which distinguishes these findings from the armament objects of excavations of archaeological monuments of the cultures of ancient and medieval peoples in the Tian Shan. Having carried out a formal and typological classification analysis of the items from the collection, we determined a certain typological identity of the armament for long-range combat that were related to different groups and types of iron petiolate arrowheads according to the section and the form of feather. We found analogues to the arrows from our collection when discovered arrowheads of similar forms as a part of weapon complexes of ancient and medieval ethnicities inhabiting the Central Asian historical and cultural region during the Ancient times, Early and High Middle Ages. We traced the spread of arrowheads of different types, analyzed them as a part of our collection, and analyzed the items discovered in the course of previous research in medieval archaeological sites on the territory of northern Tian Chan Region in the bounds of Kyrgyzstan. The results of our analysis prove that all the arrowheads from the collection studied relate to the historical eras of the Early and High Middle Ages. Conclusion. A part of this collection is likely to have belonged to the complex of means for long-range combat. They used such arrowheads while shooting the enemy in the epoch of the Kyrgyz Khanate. Preponderance of armor-piercing and versatile iron arrowheads can testify the necessity to confront enemies in long-range combats and fight against adversaries who were powerfully armed and fully-equipped with metallic armor.

Purpose . In the course of archaeological studies of the Russian settlements in the Omsk Irtysh region during New times, we have obtained a representative collection of leather shoes, their parts and fragments. A comprehensive analysis of this collection made it possible to identify ten types of shoes, which were common in everyday life of the rural population in the 17^th-18^th centuries. One of the main types of women’s leather shoes were brogues. In order to reconstruct their shape, we developed a special technique which can help archaeologists in the study of different types of shoes. The technique includes identification of diagnostic features for each type of shoes, systematization of the entire collection, study of structural details in terms of materials and design, identification of assembly technologies, shape reconstruction, creation of a graphic model and full-scale layout, which demonstrates the standard for the type of shoes under analysis, and description of the standard and the entire collection of its type. Finally, we analyzed the use of shoes worn. The technology is useful for reconstructing such an important part of outfit as footwear. We analyzed the material, design, and manufacturing technology of brogues from our collection, in particular, women’s leather brogues. We compared the items from the collection with other previously identified types of footwear from similar sites and other collections of archaeological leather shoes of Western Siberia and traced common and special features. A full-scale and graphic reconstruction of the shape of the footwear was carried out. We described the origin of this type of formation, the time of its existence, and the place of brogues in the costume complex of Russian population in the area studied. Results . The brogues studied had low or medium heels. Our analysis of the archaeological material revealed eight stages in the process of making them. Our observations during the reconstruction revealed a high level of standardization and a slight variability of features in manufacturing footwear in general and the specific type we studied in particular. Our technology allows us to conclude that women’s brogues from our collection had analogues in the archaeological collections from Tara and Mangazeya sites. Conclusion . The brogues from our collection can be considered festive, worn during the summer-autumn season. According to its origin, this type of footwear is associated with the Turkic-Persian world, which was influenced by European traditions of shoemaking. In European Russia, brogues with low or medium heels were popular in the 14^th-16^th centuries. In Siberia, judging by the collections of Tara and Mangazeya, they were used during the 17^th century. Archaeological materials allow us to conclude that this type of footwear was popular in the 17^th century.

Purpose. In the second half of the 20^th century Eastern Siberia witnessed a steady raise of national economy without rapid jumps. Although industry was intensively developing, it did not force any sudden processes as the basis of the industry had already been formed. More attention was paid to social issues, and the urban population increased. Market reforms of the 1990s and restructuring of the administrative system caused deep changes in the following market processes. The background processes of these changes can reveal some peculiarities and qualitative differences of demographic development among particular nationalities in the East of Russia. Due to a lack of demographic research of the Buryats in Soviet and post-Soviet periods, it is important to analyze the dynamics of population among one of the major nationalities in Eastern Siberia, the Buryats, in 1959-2010. The aim of the paper is to reveal factors and conditions that influenced the processes. Results . We have analyzed the demographic processes among the Buryats in 1959-2010 in the Republic of Buryatia, Irkutsk and Transbaikalia. We provide data on the dynamics of the Buryat population, migrations and different factors and conditions that influenced them. Demographic development of the ethnos during the considered period of fifty years had several important differences that resulted in some peculiarities of Buryatia’s market position and social structure. Possible reasons for these changes are provided. One of the main reasons was the fact that in a relatively short period the social structure and economy were transformed under external conditions, and a powerful social sphere equal to that of a developed industrial society appeared. Conclusion. As a result of social and economic processes, Buryatia witnessed a certain decrease in the mortality among the Buryat population, and the birth rate was at the highest level. Such a situation led to rejuvenation of the age structure and a high natural increase in the indigenous population. Further on, the development of the social structure continued in a way of accelerated increase in employees, increased access to education and a raise of urban population, which together with agrarian reforms led to a quick decrease of the birth rate. As a result, the number of the Buryats during 1959-2010-s increased more than the total average for other regions of the country.

Purpose. The article contributes to the study of urban life of Russian ethnic minorities. Our research was based on three groups of Northern Altaians: the Kumandins, the Tubalars, and the Chelkans, the indigenous ethnic minorities of Siberia. Results. Our research shows that Northern Altaians vary according to the degree of their urbanization with the Kumandins being the most urbanized ones. The main reason for an increase in number of Northern Altaians in cities is migration from village areas. They migrate primarily for the sake of education, job search, better living conditions, as well as a result of the state policy of eliminating ‘unpromising’ villages. However, in urban environments they tend to lose their traditional culture and native language, and their family identities become less distinct. Their lifestyles are essentially the same as the lifestyles of Russians city dwellers. Many Altaians remain loyal to their traditional cuisine, enjoy national holidays and gladly participate in celebrations. Conclusions. The ancestors of the Northern Altaians had earlier contacts with the Russians and Russian culture (in the 17^th century) than Southern Altaians (in the 18^th century). Due to the policy of Christian prozelytism, close contacts with Russians, mixed marriages and a strong process of Russification took place. In the late 19^th century, assimilation continued to develop. Because of this, the Northern Altaians were often unable to resist the weakening of their ethnic and cultural identities as they migrated. In the 1990s, the Northern Altai intelligentsia admitted a certain degree of separation between their fellow Altaians and the cultural heritage of their ancestors. It was the period when a concept of national-cultural renaissance became popular among the Northern Altaians. The ethnic renaissance affected self-perception of urban Northern Altaians in a significant way. Nowadays, the Northern Altaians who live in cities possess strong cultural identities. However, these identities are beginning to get new shapes. They are no longer related to the degree of their language competence or common ethnic-cultural knowledge; rather, it is the symbolic component of cultural identities that is perceived as the most important one.

The monograph of Professor Valery Kimeev is devoted to a highly topical current theme, namely, archaeological study of sites of Russian origin in Siberia. The author considered the ostrogs (Russian fortresses) located in the basin of the Tom River: Tomskii (1604), Kuznetskii (1618), Sosnovskii (1657), Verkhotomskii (1665) and Mungatskii (1715). Using archival and archaeological materials quite fully and objectively, the author reviewed the history of creation, restructuring and development of these sites, as well as established the places of their original location. The book is properly illustrated with archival and modern photographs, images of mock-ups of the ostrogs, drawings of archaeological artifacts, diagrams and maps. At the same time, it is necessary to point out some weak points of the monograph, which can be improved in the course of subsequent studies. However, in general the author has successfully solved the task of modeling the collective image of objects of this type, which is very important when conducting their field reconstructions.

The Asian Paleolithic Association is an international organization whose activity is aimed at the development and improving of collaboration in archaeological and paleoanthropological Paleolithic research in Asia. The Ninth Meeting of the Asian Paleolithic Association was held in the field research center “Denisova Cave” (Altai region, Russia), on July, 30 - August 6, 2018. Organized by the Altai State University and the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences on behalf of the presidium of the Asian Paleolithic Association (APA), the conference provided opportunities to share new data on Paleolithic investigations gathered throughout Asia. About 50 participants from the United Kingdom, Israel, Russia, China, Korea and Japan presented results of their research.

Purpose. The seminar was held to review current technical capabilities, regulatory and legal aspects of searching for and determining the boundaries of archaeological heritage sites. These issues were discussed in the context of classical methods and approaches. Actual methods of collecting and processing such information were debated, including those currently offered by natural sciences. Results. The participants of the seminar considered a range of methodological issues related to the use of natural science methods to identify and define the boundaries of cultural heritage sites. They also widened their ideas about the actual technical means at the disposal of natural sciences. A detailed consideration of implementing the proposed technical tools and methods in the practice of archaeological research has allowed us to formulate the direction of future forums. Conclusion. Such a close collaboration of archaeologists, specialists in the natural sciences and representatives of executive authorities allows us to work out well-defined definitions of the phenomena studied and to find a common ground on the way to preserve the cultural heritage. Conducting such seminars provides an opportunity to look at the same issues from the perspective of different specialists, such as an archaeologist, geophysicist, an inspector for the supervision of objects of cultural heritage, etc. With the current social conditions, which imply lobbying the interests of certain economic structures in the federal legislative bodies, it is necessary to consolidate the archaeological community. Events of such importance are a platform for accelerating these processes.

Purpose. During the period of 26^th - 28^th September 2018, the capital of the Republic of Khakassia, the city of Abakan, and the Ordzhonikidzevskii district of Khakassia hosted the V International Scientific Conference “Peoples and Cultures of Sayano-Altai and adjacent territories” dedicated to the 85^th anniversary of Doctor of Historical Sciences, orientalist, archaeologist Vitalyi Epifanovich Larichev. The Abakan location was chosen as it was on the territory of Khakassia that V. E. Larichev conducted his main field research in the fields of Palaeolithic and Astroarchaeology. In this regard, it is important to show the results of the work of this significant scientific forum. Results. The conference was attended by scientists and instructors on archaeology from Japan, India, the Principality of Monaco, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Tuva, Altai, Khakassia, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk and Kemerovo Regions. By the beginning of the conference, its Organizing Committee prepared the forum materials in the form of a book. The keynote speech at the plenary meeting of the conference was given by the Doctor of Historical Sciences, Director of the Khakass Research Institute of Language, Literature and History, V. N. Tuguzhekova. The speaker stressed that it was V. E. Larichev who, using Khakass materials, laid prerequisites for modern methods of studying the ancient calendar systems of Siberia. The sectional sessions of the conference covered the results of scientific research conducted by V. E. Larichev both on the territory of Khakassia and in East Asia. The working day ended with a performance by a wonderful artistic folk team from the city of Abakan. On the second day of the conference, a practical field seminar was held on one of the research sites that V. E. Larichev considered particularly important, Pervyi Sunduk, on the territory of the Ordzhonikidzevsky district of Khakassia. It is widely recognized that this unique natural-historical site is the only one of its kind on the territory of Khakassia. However, it is necessary to continue its complex interdisciplinary studies. The site needs effective protection as in recent years the anthropogenic load on this location has increased greatly. Conclusion. In general, the scientific forum was an important stage both in the study of the rich scientific heritage of V. E. Larichev and in the solution of a number of topical issues of archaeology, ethnography and history of the peoples of Southern Siberia and adjacent territories of Central and East Asia.

The article is devoted to the issues of sustainable development of northern cities in the modern world as a creative territory for development of local communities in planning and implementation of programs of vital activity, of environment, business, and the presentation of ethno-cultural practices. On the base of successful experience of organization of the International Conference «Cities and People» in Yakutsk, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia),) is revealed the modern strategy of northern cities, where a multi-channel dialogue of traditions and innovations, social groups, society, government and business, city and the mass media is the main condition for sustainable development. The particular attention is paid to the key symbol of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), the traditional calendar holiday Ysyakh, its communicative and innovative potential within the framework of humanitarian urbanism.