Extraordinary Burial of the Great Migration Period from Karban-I Necropolis (Northern Altai)

Abstract

The article presents the results of the materials study from kurgan 11 of the Karban-I site, excavated in 1989 by the expedition of the Barnaul State Pedagogical Institute. This archaeological complex is located on the left bank of the Katun river, 1.7 km northwest of the Kuyus village of Chemal district of the Altai Republic. The key characteristics of the fixed structures (mound with an oval-shaped crepe-laying; a shallow grave pit, a burial chamber in the form of a stone box) and the method of inhumation (single position of the corpse on the back; orientation of the deceased with his head to the western sector of the horizon; the absence of an accompanying burial of a horse) indicate that that this object belongs to the Karban tradition of ritual practice of the population of Altai of the 2nd century BC – 5th century AD. Analysis of the discovered inventory (horn onlays for a bow, combat knife, typesetting belt, bone arrowheads, awl, pendants and braids made of non-ferrous metal, beads) and its comparison with materials from synchronous complexes in adjacent territories became the basis for determining the chronology of the burial within the Early Xianbei period (2nd – early 3nd centuries AD). It was established that the set of objects included items that were typical for both female and male “standard” rite of the Altai nomads of this period. It is concluded that the buried individual, most likely a male, was a representative of the prosperous stratum of the ordinary population. Judging by the availability of means of long-range and close combat including numerous equipment, he was part of a group of professional warriors. At the same time, the deceased during his lifetime occupied a rather high position in a small group of pastoralists who left the Karban-I necropolis.