Copper Socketed Axe from the Svetloye Pole II Burial Mound

Abstract

The paper features the results of a study of a copper socketed axe discovered at the Svetloye Pole II burial mound located at the interfluve of the Sok and Kondurcha rivers in the forest-steppe zone of Samara Volga region. Aspects of the morphology, technology, tool ornamentation, as well as the chemical analysis of the metal, were subjected to a comparative study. Based on the total morphological, technological and ornamental attributes, the tool correlates with the late socketed axes of the Maklasheevka culture and has a shape that is transitional to the early types of the Ananyino culture. The socketed axe is dated 10th–9th centuries BC, and can even date back to the 8th century BC. It most probably appeared as a result of migration of part of the population of the Maklasheevka culture from the area of the Lower Belaya river downstream the Sok river at the Final Late Bronze Age. Less probably, the sacrificial complex with the socketed axe was left by the early nomads, who appeared in Samara Volga region around the 9th century BC.

Keywords

• archaeology
• socketed axe
• svetloye pole ii burial mound
• samara volga region
• final bronze age
• non-ferrous metalworking