Purpose. The article examines the problems of preserving the cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic and, more broadly, the Arctic in the context of modernization programs for the education system of Russia and its subjects. Results. Using the example of the Arctic State Institute of Culture and Arts (ASICS), the main trends in the development of ethnocultural education in the unified socio-cultural space of Russia at the turn of the 20th – 21st centuries are traced. These trends correlate with government policy aimed at meeting the educational needs of the peoples of Russia in general and the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic in particular. It is noted that cultural heritage is not only a pillar in the affirmation of current values, but also a resource for the development of regions and the whole country. Educational programs of ASIC and regional, national, and international projects implemented on its basis correspond to this trend. They show the great role of higher education in the formation of a harmonious relationship between ethnic and national identity. The analysis of ASIC’s educational activities shows how since its formation in 2000 it went from a branch institute of culture and arts to the leading institute of culture, arts and creative industries in the Arctic zone, meeting the prospects for the progressive development of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic and Russia as a whole. Conclusions. Currently, ASIC is the only university in the Far North of Russia in the field of arts, culture and creative industries; it meets modern trends in the development of the education system and plays an important role in the transformation of the environment and quality of life in the Arctic macroregion.

Purpose. The multi-layered Paleolithic site of Kuksaray-2 was discovered in 2021 on the right side of the Akhangaran River valley (Eastern Uzbekistan). During fieldwork of 2023 it was established that the lithic industry from layers 0–2 is associated with the MIS-3, and the most ancient complex from layer 4 may belong to the MIS-5. In 2024, exploration of the Kuksaray-2 site was continued by trench 3/2024, 5/2024, 6/2024, 7/2024 and 8/2024 to clarify the stratigraphic situation. Results. Local features of the rock base relief in a number of cases created peculiar “pockets”, where the stratigraphic situation is presented more fully: these are trenches 3/2024, 8/2024, 5/2024. In these trenches, the lower layer of deposits is stratigraphically decomposed into three layers (2–4), the lower of which are reliably associated with the MIS-5. In excavations 6/2024 and 7/2024 the stratigraphic column is thinner. The deposits of layers 2–4 are preserved here only fragmentarily and are included in the compression pack of layer 2, which shows all the signs of disruption of natural stratification. Conclusion. During the Pleistocene interglacial periods (MIS-3–5, ~ 30–130 thousand years ago), the site was a comfortable place for long-term residence of hominins or their regular visits: the watershed surface has virtually no slope, there were permanent water sources and siliceous rock outcrops nearby for flintknapping. The location of the site completely excludes the participation of mudflow processes in sedimentation, which means absence of the cultural layers destruction

Purpose. This study investigates the earliest forms of blade production in the Initial Upper Paleolithic in the Altai. Despite the widespread availability of high-quality lithic raw materials during the period from 47 to 40 ka uncal BP, the tradition of producing and using large blades reached its peak development here. These traditions retained characteristic features of the era. Results. The research specifically focuses on the knapping method, which is a complex and multifaceted aspect of the technology. This method integrates conceptually related and diverse techniques for organizing and managing the flaking process. Our primary goal was to experimentally test theoretically reconstructed knapping methods for Initial Upper Paleolithic blade industries. For this testing, we used raw materials from the Altai region. First, we reviewed and synthesized published data. This allowed us to develop a theoretical framework for the experiment. Next, we conducted practical experimental modeling of a universal production strategy. In this modeling, we employed both mineral and organic hammers. Conclusion. The results of the experiment confirm the first confirmation of the core principles within the theoretical model of blade production for the Altai Initial Upper Paleolithic. They clearly demonstrate the model's technical feasibility and effectiveness. Furthermore, the experiment enabled us to refine the implementation of the reconstructed   technology. Additionally, we developed new approaches for interpreting traces of the modeled techniques in archaeological materials

Purpose. This article presents research results on the spatial aspects of human activities related to the making and use of stone personal ornaments in cultural layer VII at the Ushki I settlement in Kamchatka. Results. We have established that the entire production cycle for specific personal ornament types – primarily chlorite beads and pendants – occurred directly on site. The combination of raw materials, knapped products, blanks, semifinished items, unfinished products, and finished items indicates localized production within constructions. These dwellings were situated in the northeast and southwest parts of the site. We have reconstructed the process of bead and pendant production in detail for dwelling number 2. Here, near the fireplace, was identified a specialized workshop. The discovery of intact and fragmented beads and pendants on the floor or within the hearths of specific structures is likely to indicate loss due to daily wear. Conclusion. The spatial distribution of personal ornaments from the Early Ushki culture matches patterns observed at other important Upper Paleolithic sites in extreme northeast Asia.

Purpose. The article examines the problem of the appearance of artefacts in this region using the example of artifacts with holes from the settlement of Novopetrovka 3 (9.5–9.0 thousand years ago) of the Novopetrovka culture of Western Amur Region. Results. Descriptions and reconstructions of a fluted stone mace and a button with holes are presented. These items are original products of the Early Neolithic cultures of the Far Eastern region. The fluted mace is a difficult object to manufacture, so its use as a fishing sinker is questionable. Most likely, it was a universal tool, including a weapon. The presence of a defective tile with a hole in the collection indicates local production of drilled objects. It allowed us to reconstruct the process of making round weights. Conclusion. The bearers of the Novopetrovka culture, who lived on the banks of the Amur River in the south-eastern region of the modern Amur Region, already at the early stage of the Neolithic knew how to make complex items with drilled through holes of various diameters. These are stone objects, as well as wooden, bone, and horn objects with indirect evidence: fishing weights, anchors, universal maces, weights for digging sticks, buttons for fastening or decorating clothes.

Purpose. This research aims to study the traces of bone processing on figurines from Neolithic sites of the Baraba forest-steppe using traceological analysis in order to reconstruct the basic techniques used in making these artifactsThe study focuses on the most numerous ornithomorphic images found in the Neolithic burial sites of Korchugan (nine objects from the 6th millennium BC) and Vengerovo-2A (two objects from the late 6th millennium BC). Results. The Korchugan figurines have almost no traces due to careful smoothing of their surfaces during the final production stage, they were probably shaped using the carving technique. The concentric linear marks on the walls of holes indicate the use of biconical drilling. In the tail section, there is a gradual narrowing towards the sides and 3–5 faintly visible subparallel linear traces (or faint rub marks), which suggests that figurines were intended for sewing. The Vengerovo-2A figurine has a hole in its center and a flat base and not preserved any traces due to poor conservation. The sculpted pommel of the bone knife was made by carving, as evidenced by the marks in the tail section. The characteristic curvature and the surface texture of the artefact suggest that it was made out of a rib. Conclusion. When studying the technological traces on bone figurines, there are several limitations to consider. Despite these, it has been possible to identify or suggest several techniques for producing Neolithic ornithomorphic figurines from the Baraba forest-steppe – carving, biconic drilling, and grinding or polishing

Purpose. From the earliest period in human history, the snake image has been integrated into the mythological frameworks of ancient societies' worldviews. A complex and multicomponent image is discussed in number of publications in terms of semantics, but there is no special focused paper. The main research goal is to provide an overview of snake images – sculptures, ornaments, and petroglyphs – from archaeological sites from Stone Age to Early Metal Era of the forest-steppe region of Northern Eurasia, also including some sites from adjacent regions of Central Asia and Western Europe. Results. Based on the results, a list of 66 archaeological sites and a map showing the distribution of different art types in different regions were formed – this allows us to identify five main groups based on their location. Conclusion. These groups correspond to the ancient art development areas – the Baikal region, Western Siberia, the Urals, the north of Eastern Europe, and the center of the Russian Plain. There are just under 200 early snake figures in this vast region; this image is widespread. It has its roots in ancient times, when the first beliefs associated with snakes were formed in the Stone Age, and it was fixed in various myths and cults in the Early Metal Era

Purpose. Morphological features of zoomorphic clay sculptures from the Lower Pritishye region, specifically from the Chilimka microdistrict and Luchkino I settlements, were analyzed. Ten whole and nine fragmented sculptures found   in complexes with comb-pit ceramics were studied. A 3D modelling method using a RangeVision Pro laser scanner was employed to study the sculptures. Results. There are three types of clay sculptures: bears, foxes and birds. The types are internally divided into subtypes and variants, each of which has its own unique features: differences in shape, degree of stylization, presence of holes and notches for fixing, and ornamentation. All bear figurines are united by the detailing of the muzzle, emphasis on the nose and eyes, and technical methods of ornamentation-dimpled indentations and dashing. The objects could have been used as part of various complex compositions. Fragmented sculptures indicate the replicability of this image and may testify to the presence of a tradition of ritual spoilage of these items. The sculptural image of a fox is unique. Despite the high level of stylization, it shows the characteristic features of this predator. Images of birds are   also stylized, but they are united by the presence of anatomical details   the highlighted head, beak, tail and open   wings. The figurines were decorated with the same technical methods of ornamentation. The presence of holes for fastenings indicates that these pieces could have been used in various compositions. Figurines of subtype 2 reflect at-tempts to convey the dynamics of movement. Conclusion. The analyzed collection finds analogues in the materials of the Late Bronze Age of Western Siberia. This is especially characteristic of bear and bird figurines. Stylistically similar sculptures were found on the sites of the lozvino, atlym and barsovo cultures. Animal sculptures of different types had different functional and ritual functions.

Purpose. The use of fire is one of the most stable and widespread features of the funeral rituals of the diverse population of Western Siberia from the Neolithic era to the ethnographic modernity. In the article, we analyze the traces of the use of fire in the funeral practice of the population of the Odino culture. Results. The use of fire was noted for 33 complexes (13 %), of the 252 burials taken in the study (burial grounds Sopka-2/4A, Tartas-1, Ust-Tartas-2, located in the Baraba forest-steppe). Three groups of burials are distinguished: with traces of the use of fire in the burial pit without affecting the skeleton (39,4 %), partial burning of the skeleton in the grave or on the side (45,5 %), complete burning in the grave or on the side (15,1 %). Based on the analysis of synchronous archaeological sites and ethnographic parallels, we propose options for reconstructing various manipulations using fire. We also noted the steady tradition of partial burning in the grave of the deceased, wrapped in birch bark, which has survived to the ethnographic modernity. Conclusion. The variety of ways of using fire in the funeral complexes of the Odino culture testifies to the significant status of fire in funeral rituals and worldview in general. The revealed stable repeatability of the combination of traces of fire implies strict regulation of actions related to the use of fire in the funeral rite of the Odino population.

Purpose. Sources of information on the Kyrghyz burial culture cover a wide time range and represented by various types of materials. The purpose of this work is to characterize the main groups of sources taking into account the chronological framework and information content. Results. Four groups of sources are presented, revealing the topic of research into the burial culture of the Kyrghyz: 10^th – 17^th centuries medieval authors works; works of travelers and scientists of the second half of the 19^th – early 20^th centuries; scientific works of 20s – 70s twentieth century scientists; scientific works of 1980 researchers – to present.   They are highlighted based on the chronology and completeness of their information content. For each group the main characteristics are shown. Conclusion. It is emphasized that the work of the researchers made a significant contribution to the study of burial sites (intra-grave and above-grave structures) and burial and memorial rites. Considering the existing results and possibilities, this direction is promising for further development and expansion of the source base

Purpose. Although the medieval population of West Siberian forest-steppe has been studied for a long time by methods of archeology and physical anthropology, paleogenetic data on these groups are still completely absent. We present the first paleogenetic results for late medieval populations of the forest-steppe zone, including the analysis of a mitochondrial DNA series from the Abramovo-10 burial ground (16th – 18th centuries AD, Baraba forest-steppe), and consider these paleogenetic results in the context of the interdisciplinary data on ethnogenetic processes in the region. Results. We analyzed the structure, phylogeny, and phylogeographic features of 72 mitochondrial DNA samples from the Abramovo-10 burial ground. As a result, we obtained a well-representative sample of mtDNA for the late medieval population of Central Baraba. The population shows similarities in mtDNA diversity with modern Siberian Tatars (closer to the Tobolo-Irtysh than to the modern Baraba local group), as well as Ugric and Samoyed indigenous populations of Western Siberia. Conclusion. Our results confirm the participation of genetic components of Turkic (both from the Eurasian steppes and the Altai-Sayan region), Ugric, and Samoyed origin in the formation of the late medieval population gene pool of in West Siberian forest-steppe zone. We assume that sub-ethnic groups of Siberian Tatars could change their settlement territories in the late Middle Ages and Modern times. At least a part of the Turkic-speaking indigenous population in the West Siberian forest-steppe retained the structure of the mitochondrial DNA gene pool, despite the influence of the migrant Caucasian population.

Purpose. The Museum of Siberian Archaeology and Ethnography at Tomsk State University named after V. M. Florinsky (Tomsk) houses a unique item belonging to the “family of Central Asian” composite bows, which has no analogues among known items in terms of its combination of design features. There is no information about the place and time of manufacture of the item, but it can be preliminarily dated to the 18th – 19th centuries. Results. The bow is recursive, the bow ears are curved towards the shot. It is equipped with a combination of plates: frontal on the handle and limbs, side on the limbs and bow ears, back on the bow ears, and also frontal “ears hooks”. The designs use technical methods of shaping and design, taking into account the peculiarities of Qing China. This is a general description of the profile: long bow ears, curved at the central part of the bow knees, and front pads that are joined by special protrusions on a wooden base. There are also design elements typical of the countries of Central Asia. These are side and back pads made of deer horn, decorated with a circular ornament, frontal “ears hooks”, birch bark pasting without bright decor. A unique feature of the product is a long groove for the distribution of limb pads, which is not found among the known authors of materials. Conclusion. As a result of the analysis, the object is interpreted as a local variant of the Manchu tradition, made under the influence of nomadic South Siberian and Central Asian cultures. This influence is reflected in the decorative features, the relatively small maximum width of the limbs, and the use of a series of plates.