Purpose. From July 1 to July 16, 2019, a base of the West Siberian archaeological detachment of IAE SB RAS in the Vengerovsky District of the Novosibirsk Region became the venue for the field archaeological school “Multidisciplinary research of the Paleometal era multilayer archaeological assemblages”. The school was organized for students, graduate students and young scientists from Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Tomsk State University, Tyumen State University, Altai State Pedagogical University, and Siberian Federal University. Results. As part of the school, students attended nine lectures and participated in four master classes and workshops. The lectures were given by experts of the IAE SB RAS, namely academician V. I. Molodin, doctor of history L. N. Mylnikova, candidate of history I. A. Durakov, candidate of history N. S. Efremova, candidate of history L. S. Kobeleva, candidate of history M. S. Nesterova, candidate of history D. V. Selin. The listeners got acquainted with modern approaches and methods of excavating multilayer archaeological assemblages of the Paleometal era, methods of analyzing the data obtained and interdisciplinary methods for studying archaeological artifacts. Special master classes and participation in the excavation of the sites took place at two multilayer sites Tartas-1 and the burial ground Ust-Tartassky mounds (settlement Karier-Tai-1). Conclusion. The students were exposed to various stages of site studies, such as sampling the horizons of the cultural layer, disassembling objects made for various purposes (pits, burials, foci, ditches), etc. University students obtained advanced training diplomas and certificates of completing a field course.

Purpose. One of the most important research areas studied by A. P. Okladnikov was prehistoric art, in particular its origin and correlation with the concept of “aesthetic beginning”, as well as issues of ancient art development and a number of other related aspects. Siberian scientific school of prehistoric art founded by academician A. P. Okladnikov has already made a significant contribution to the study of prehistoric art on a worldwide scale. Results. A. P. Okladnilov’s scientific interest in prehistoric art issues formed at the beginning of the 1960s, when he moved to Akademgorodok in Novosibirsk. The scientific school was formed on the basis of the Institute of History, Philology and Philosophy of SB RAS. A group of scientists from the institute organized a team which started to develop projects in several aspects: a) studied specific issues of the research program based on the leader’s ideas; b) provided training for specialists; c) organized and coordinated efforts of different research groups studying prehistoric art issues. Conclusion. Academician A. P. Okladnikov is an outstanding Soviet archaeologist, historian and anthropologist, an initiator and the first Director of the Institute of History, Philology and Philosophy of the AS in the USSR (currently the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of SB RAS), which was founded in 1966. Ancient history aspects under investigation at those times included the study of initial human settlements and the spread of Paleolithic traditions on the Asian continent, old cultural ties between Asia and America, ethnogenesis and early history of indigenous Siberian and Far Eastern peoples and their inclusion into the Russian state, the formation of Russian culture in Siberia and many others. A. P. Okladnikov organized a series of archaeological expeditions, and the geography of his Siberian expeditions covered a vast region from the Ural Mountains in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east, from the Arctic Ocean in the north to Central Asia in the south. Dozens of talented researchers followed A. P. Okladnikov and made important archaeological discoveries. Their research areas cover a wide range of topical issues. Today it is the students of this researcher who largely determine the vector of archaeological development

Purpose. Ust-Voikarskoe site is situated in the Lower Ob Region (Shuryshkarsky district of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, Russia). It represents autochthonous late Middle-Age culture of the north of Western Siberia. The article discusses verification of the sources used for analysis that would confirm possible identity of the archeological site Ust-Voikarskoe and a historical settlement of the Middle-Age, Voikarsky Gorodok. Results. Firstly, researches noted that the archaeological site had been known in the written sources as Ostyak (Khanty) Voikarsky Gorodok since at least the beginning of the 17^th century, including Russian fiscal documents. Siberian local historians of the 2^nd half of the 19^th century mentioned some “ancient hills” located near the village of Voikarskie Yurty. At the same time, there is a group of other sources which have not been analyzed yet. A complex review of all the sources that we conducted tells us an intricate story with more questions than answers. Where exactly were “ancient hills” near the village of Voikarskie Yurty located? What did they look like? We discovered that the Khanty had a few settlements named Voikarskie Yurty. So, the question remains, which Voikarskie Yurty was located near the settlement identified by historians as Voikarsky Gorodok? Conclusion. Known historical materials cannot indisputably prove the identity of the archeological Ust-Voikarskoe site and the historical Middle-Age settlement of Voikarsky Gorodok. They also cannot be the ground to say that these places are connected with the territory that was explored by archaeologists at the beginning of the 21^st century.

Purpose. According to the data about its analogues, the petroglyph White Horse in the Minusinsk basin has been dated as the late Paleolithic. Such dating of the petroglyph provides ground for research and drawing stylistic links with a series of similar Paleolithic images of Western Europe. Results. We used microscopical analysis of the surface with the pattern to carry out a number of special experiments. The aim of our research was to verify whether the image could have been created using the supposed “applicative” technology. The results of our studies and the dating of calcite stains on the rocky planes obtained by means of accelerator mass spectrometry lead us to revise the time estimates of the image. Experimental-technological and special traceological studies together with photogrammetry of the petroglyph provide the basis for determining three stages of the pattern formation. Some of the fragments of the image are likely to have been performed by different people at different times. A stylistic analysis of similar and geographically close objects allows us to date the picture no earlier than the Late Holocene. The image safety is under a serious threat due to the rapid destruction of the rock surface. Conclusion. Based on the data obtained as a result of our experiments, the petroglyph cannot be defined as “an image of the Upper Paleolithic era”. After a series of analyses including chemical analysis of calcite and experimental traceological analysis, we conclude that relative dating of the image refers to a period not earlier than the Bronze Age. A stylistic analysis suggests that the petroglyph White Horse in the Minusinsk basin, to a certain extent, naturally fits into the general visual tradition of the region. The 3-D model of the image allows us to keep a clear visual image of the object. However, the image can be damaged as a result of natural processes as the rock surface is in a state of decay.

Purpose. The article presents results of studying the elemental composition and manufacturing technology of turquoise jewelry found in barrow 1 of the Ak-Dag I burial ground of the early Scythian time. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to determine the elemental composition of the mineral. The presence and ratio of the number of elements in the table indicates that the items are made of turquoise. The basic elements of the mineral include oxides of copper, phosphorus, aluminum and iron. A relatively large amount of iron oxide gives turquoise minerals a more saturated green color. The composition of the samples under study is extremely rich in zirconium, which allows us to identify the field where the raw material was obtained. Results. A traceological study of the artifacts considered was based on the proven methodology of experimentaltraceological analysis. As a result of experimental and technological research, we conclude that the process of manufacturing occurred in three stages. Initially, the formation of the main planes of the workpieces and grinding of the ends took place. At the second stage the artifacts were drilled, the starting points of drilling were located at the narrow ends of the items. The traces of work that are visible on the artifacts indicate the use of easel, high-speed drilling. At the third stage the artifacts were processed with a fine-grained abrasive, as a result of which the final products were given a smoothed shape. Conclusion. In general, the production technology of the artifacts considered can be described as relatively perfect. There were closest analogues of the products from the Ak-Dag I site found in the same region. A similar method of inclined drilling was also used by the Scythians of Altai on their stone products.

Purpose. The collection of the Museum of history and culture of peoples of Siberia and Far East at the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography SB RAS has a unique section of ritual objects produced by the Ob Ugrians during Middle Ages. The collection features unique objects made of silver, which allows us to make a conclusion that silver had a sacral meaning for the Khanty and Mansi, and the material itself was closely connected with a complex of cosmological and mythological conceptions. Results. We conducted XRF analysis for a series of silver objects of cult and identified three objects made with the use of a special laborious technology by means of cold hammering from three sheets of silver. Conclusion. The article gives a full description of the objects and describes the semantics of the images presented. We provide the results of element composition of the metal and identify a circle of analogues. The artifacts considered included a metal plate with a solar sign made with gilding, with an engraving around it on the surface of metalwork, a stylized profile of attenuated heads of elks facing each other (the drawing was created later); the second item being a metal plate with a central part in the form of a medallion depicting a horseman who strikes a man lying at the horse’s legs with a spear (it was made by means of engraving on a ready form); and the third item being a platter with the images of an eagle owl standing on the back of a deer and a duck flying up. The plots of the silver items evidently have a cult significance and correspond to some mythological constructs. The unique technology of their three-layer composition is accounted for by mythological conceptions and enhances a sacral significance of the items.

Previously, occasional bifacial tools found in different industrial variants of the Altai Middle Paleolithic were not considered as cultural markers that could be used to differentiate the technological/cultural variants. They rather were a bright but situational manifestation of the typological variability, especially in the case of the Sibiryachikha assemblages. Purpose. The article discusses various research approaches used to determine and evaluate the bifacial component in the Middle Paleolithic lithic assemblages, namely attributive analysis with a set of specific attributes, scar-pattern analysis and experimental modelling. Results. As a result of recent studies at the site Chagyrskaya Cave, the key-site of Sibiryachikha, we found out that all the bifaces were made using plano-convex technology. In the Chagyrskaya Cave assemblage all stages of bifacial production have been noticed? including pre-forms, bifacial tools and tools made on bifacial thinning flakes, accompanied by numerous bifacial thinning flakes and bifacial thinning chips. Re-investigation of the Okladnikov assemblage should bring a new, previously unknown series of technical spalls related to the bifacial plano-convex technology. A similar situation is with Karabom complexes, where all bifacial tools are made using bi-convex bifacial technology. Thus, criteria for technological distinction of bifacial production are of special importance. Conclusion. Our experiments have shown that the proportion of chips associated with bifacial production is much higher than it can be determined while analyzing archaeological assemblages. Taking in account the new data on bifacial technologies in the region, we conclude that variability of Middle Paleolithic complexes has become more complex. To evaluate the bifacial component in Paleolithic assemblages, all stages of bifacial flaking should be documented, including bifacial pre-forms, technical spalls related to bifacial reduction sequence, chips, blanks which demonstrate bifacial flaking errors and tools made on bifacial thinning flakes and bifacial tools. A complete set of bifacial production is present at the Chagyrskaya Cave assemblage due to the fact that the cave was constantly visited and had a sufficiently long habitation cycle as a source of raw materials. In the assemblage, a complete sequence of lithic raw material exploitation was processed. Taking into account the fact that Chagyrskaya Cave and Okladnikov Cave are associated only with Neanderthal remains, it can be assumed that bifacial plano-convex technology in the Middle Paleolithic of Altai is linked to Neanderthal population in the region.

Purpose. The rock shelter Badynoko site is one of the key archaeological sites of the Eastern Elbrus region, which contains stratified archaeological complexes of the Final Pleistocene and Early Holocene. Stone industries at this site are the most important evidence for studying the cultural dynamics, economic and technological transformations that took place during the Epipalaeolithic time in Northern Caucasus. We aimed at conducting technological analysis of the Badynoko’s archaeological complexes using experimental data on knapping flint and obsidian raw materials. To achieve this goal, we analyzed available information on morphometric criteria to identify knapping techniques. Our research interests included experimental modelling of the main methods which were used at the rock shelter Badynoko site for producing obsidian lamellar blanks; we also identified knapping techniques for producing blanks from other lithic materials. Results. We described the main strategies used in processing lithic materials which existed during the Final Pleistocene and Early Holocene periods at the rock shelter Badynoko site. Identified are basic techniques applied in the fracture zone and methods for producing lamellar blanks of several types, namely microblades, bladelets, and blades. The common feature of all the assemblages is that primary flaking was meant to obtain bladelets and microblades from volumetric cores mainly by unidirectional knapping. The technological and morphological study of each type of the blanks has allowed us to link the production of these items with different stages of utilizing cores and determine knapping techniques used, such as direct hitting with a soft mineral chipper tool and pressure. Conclusion. Based on our technological reconstructions, we provide a more detailed description of the evolution of strategies and knapping techniques used to process lithic materials during various stages at the rock shelter Badynoko site.

Purpose. A funeral rite is one of the most stable components of any archaeological culture. Even though it is the most conservative and stable element, ritual practices may vary depending on the culture. The causes of variation might be cognitive mechanisms and random errors which appeared while copying funerary traditions. In a society with a close cultural basis, reproduction of the same rituals may include different symbols. Their transformation will have either a cluster character or may be smooth. In the Sintashta and Petrovka cultures, the lines of evolutionary development are determined by such elements of the funeral rite as principles of organization and decoration of the kurgan space. We describe these elements in our article. Results. In conditions of population mobility whose cultural basis is close but the hierarchy is weak, reproduction of cultural stereotypes is most susceptible to variability. While studying interactions between the Sintashta and Petrovka archaeological cultures, we identify a definite link in their burial rites. They are characterized by a sustainable complex of individual items. In this article, we relate the rite features to the methods of constructing and planning of the enclosing kurgan structures, the ground and burials. A variability of the elements is due to a change in the ways of implementing actions aimed at sending the deceased to the other world. The ritual forms could have been changed intentionally, or it might have been an error while copying the mythological constructs with subsequent preservation of its meaning. The range of activities before creating a burial mound is determined by the methods of constructing and planning the surrounding structures, kurgan platforms and gravel pits. To analyze characteristics of each group considered, we used a database of 19 burial grounds - 61 kurgans representing the Sintashta culture (16 sites) and the Petrovka culture (45 sites). We consider the dimensions of mounds, types of fences (ditches, shafts, stone fences), their shape, planning of gravel pits and the design of the kurgan platform. Conclusion. The distribution of objects with different architectural elements and ways of kurgan space decorating indicate the presence of local traditions characteristic only for a certain area. Some variability is expressed by a change in the way how symbolic actions were implemented. Mounds with ditches are more common in the Tobol region, while stone fences were found only in Central Kazakhstan. Replacement of ditches on the weakly deepened fences might have been done intentionally, or it could have been a result of an error while copying the mythological construct, with subsequent preservation of its meaning.

Purpose. The article analyzes in details two small petroglyphic compositions with human figures and hoofed animals made in the technique of dotted engraving on rocky ridges, which were discovered in the mountains of Kara-Too, a part of the mountain range of Tian Shan in Kyrgyzstan, and provides a brief description of another similar composition. Results. We summarized the primary events of researching rock graphic arts compositions in mountains, particularly those located in the northern part of the Kyrgyz Republic. The first imagery group, which was discovered at the site Kara-Too, demonstrates a dismounted archer wearing a rounded head-dress and keeping a bow and arrow in his hand, with a bow quiver hung to his belt, and a profile imagery of a hoofed animal with two protuberances on its back, which probably means that the animal is a camel. The second petroglyphic composition shows two archers with bows and arrows in their hands, who are hunting goats. We also give a brief description of the third multi-figure composition present at this petroglyphic location. It includes an imagery of a horseman, some horses, a dog, mountain goats and sheep or Altai argali, as well as a construction with walls and a double-pitch roof. Conclusion. The images of humans and animals in the petroglyphic composition of Kara-Too, which were described in the article, apparently relate to the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age.

Purpose. We summarized all written, graphic, archaeological and ethnographic data available on the structure of gates in Siberian ostrogs (fortresses) outside towers, “taras” and “gorodni”, their decoration, location within the ostrog walls and interaction with other structural elements of fortifications. Results. The gates of Siberian ostrogs were most vulnerable defensive elements in the fortress. Therefore, the driveway openings of the ostrogs were connected with other fortifications of the system in order to limit the enemy's maneuver in the vicinity of the gates. Such fortifications usually include ditches, ramparts, chevaux de frise, additional “tyn” walls and wooden structures. Our study of the topical material revealed a limited source base. Archaeological excavations allowed researchers to describe gates of only two sites - Umrevinsky Ostrog and Sosnovsky Ostrog. The informative value of such archaeological sources for reconstructing the gates is considerable. The gates of the ostrogs failed to survive to this day. Some ethnographic works available contain a summarized description of the driveway openings in the fortress structures of the town of Tara and some other towns of the Angara region. Conclusion. Based on the data available, we reconstruct a summarized image of driveway openings of the Siberian ostrogs. Their width and height were established. The number of directions for leaving and entering the fortress were also determined. The parameters, structure and installation method for the rod post, rotating post, and leaves were identified. Three options for reconstructing a wall over the gates are offered. Two types of chapels over the gates are reconstructed. Individual features of any particular gates can be reconstructed only based on integrated consideration of a set of written, graphic, and archeological sources.

Purpose. The dwelling, as one of the basic elements of the life-support system, more and more often is becoming a focus of researchers’ interest when they excavate archaeological sites where Russian population lived during the New Age in Siberia. On the basis of materials obtained from the excavations, various types of reconstruction are carried out, including 3D models. Written and ethnographic sources are used to create such models as comparative materials. Results. The sources studied give information about the area of the buildings, but indicators of the possible height of these constructions in the 17^th - 18^th centuries remain hypothetical. Our material is based on representative ethnographic information and archaeological materials on the dwellings of Russian population in the Irtysh River area near Tara, Mangazeya and Sayan ostrog. We used published written sources that contained information about probable height characteristics of dwellings during the 17^th - 18^th centuries, made our calculations and created 3D models of dwellings, which were analyzed. Conclusion. The main conclusion drawn from the results of our work is that the accuracy of reproduction of certain properties of the original object while making a 3D model should be based not only on the search for analogues, but also take into account the cultural landscape surrounding the object in the studied period of time.

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to characterize the image of the pike in the worldview and ritual practices of the Khakass. To achieve our goal, we analyzed the folklore and ethnographic information available and identified the key constituent elements of the creature analyzed, as well as discovered the semantic links of its image with natural objects and elements. The chronological framework of the work covers the end of the 19^th - middle of the 20^th centuries. The pike has never become the focus of ethnographic studies before. Results. We came to the conclusion that the pike played an important role in the spiritual culture of the Khakass. The characteristic features of the pike’s mythological image as a predatory fish were influenced mainly by its biological nature and, first of all, the morphology of its body, its behavior, lifestyle, way of hunting, and, of course, its habitat. In popular mythological consciousness, the projection of its zoological features was expressed through considering the pike as an agile, rapacious and greedy creature, as a rule. At the same time, the pike was also perceived as a wise creature possessing secret knowledge about aquatic depths and their inhabitants. In addition, in many plots the pike acted as a wonderful assistant and helped the protagonist in solving his problems. On the other hand, heroes themselves often turned into this fish in order to achieve their goals related to the other world. In the religious and mythological ideas of the Khakass people, the pike was an incarnation of the spirit of the water host - sug eezi. This deity used to play a key role in the traditional rituals of the Khakass. Conclusion. In sacral practices, the pike performed the function of a tos, a shaman’s spiritual assistant. Its image was present on their ritual paraphernalia - tambourines. Due to this, using a pike as food was strictly prohibited for the Khakass and other peoples of Southern Siberia.

Purpose. For identification of ethnocultural features of the modern Khakass family in the Republic of Khakassia we used empirical material, generalized on the basis of interviews and questionnaires. The object of the study is the culture of the ethnic group, the subject of the study is the ethnocultural features of the modern family. The article discusses the main components of the family from the perspective of material and spiritual foundations of the ethnic community. The author pays special attention to the objects belonging to the Khakass family material culture and describes elements that refer to modern processes and activities. The methodological basis of the study includes principles and categories of dialectics, methods of analysis and synthesis, systemic and structural analysis of social systems. The empirical base is the materials obtained by using included observation, in the process of expert interviews and analyzing questionnaires. Results. As a result of our research we conclude that the dynamics of ethnocultural foundation of the Khakass family in the early 21^st century, which includes elements of labor culture and daily life, develops intensively in the material culture. The spiritual basis of the ethnic group (its religious platform, traditions and customs, as well as the language) is being somewhat modernized due to new realia but is quite stable and experiences little transformation. Revitalization of cultural symbols is accompanied by decrease in the number of the Khakass language speakers but is also characterized by a desire for establishing a monolithic Khakass ethnic community on the basis of the Sagay-Kachinsky component. The author’s main contribution to the study of the topic is the study of modern cultural foundations of the family in the Khakass ethnic group. The novelty of the study refers to the regional component of the ethnocultural aspect in considering the Khakass family.

The article presents the results of a scientific seminar that brought together experts from various fields of science. The participants discussed issues that affected the formation of floodplain landscapes in Western Siberia, historical development of these territories by the ancient man and dating for these events. The presentations contained interesting methodological solutions and vivid results. As a conclusion of the seminar, a summary was presented which reflects the modern approach to solving these scientific problems.