Hooked Clasps from Tarasovo Burial Ground

Abstract

The paper features an analysis of hooked clasps (HC) from Tarasovo burial ground located in the Middle Kama region (134 items from 81 graves). The HC are designed for fastening belts with a hook and a loop used in clothing (headwear, belts and shoes) and military outfit. The HC are dated 2nd century B.C. – 2nd century A.D. The author classifies the items 8 types and 17 subtypes evolving with time. The distribution area of the HC is the Piany Bor cultural and historical communion: Tarasovo (Cheganda), Kara-Abyz and Khudyakovo cultures. A special HC distribution region was the Sura-Volga interfluve. The HC coexisting in different time periods with fibulae, syulgamas, buckles and epaulet-shaped clasps demonstrate the originality and development of the clothing complex of the Piany Bor period. The author concludes that the tradition of manufacture and use of HC represents an original phenomenon of the local Finno-Permian culture unparalleled within the Eurasian space.

Keywords

• archaeology
• Volga-Kama region
• Piany Bor communion
• Tarasovo burial ground
• 2nd century B.C. – 2nd century A.D.
• hooked clasps
• Permian Finns