Warrior Burial of the Kimak Period from the Kazakh Altai

Abstract

The article publishes the materials of the burial mound No. 22 of the Kansar necropolis, located in the Kazakh Altai and dated to the VIII–IX centuries. The main attention is paid to the analysis of the burial of a high-ranking warrior from the Kimak tribal union, accompanied by an extensive set of weapons. This highlights his prestigious position in society. The article describes in detail the characteristics of the burial and the accompanying inventory, including an exquisitely decorated saber, iron arrowheads, an adze axe and an iron knife. The emphasis is placed on the analysis of the decorative and functional features of the saber, which is a key object of burial and testifies to the cultural contacts of the Kimaks with neighboring peoples. The article also reveals important aspects of the Kimak culture and military traditions, emphasizing the art of making weapons and the military power of this people. The study highlights the importance of the Kimaks in the history of Central and Central Asia, their role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of the region. The finds of barrow No. 22 open up new perspectives for understanding the cultural characteristics of the Kimak epoch and emphasize the importance of continuing research in this area.

Keywords

• archaeology
• middle ages
• kimak khaganate
• eastern kazakhstan
• kazakh altai
• barrow
• grave goods
• warriorʼs equipment
• jewelry
• weapons
• saber