Object Collection from the “Kukshylidy” Burial Ground in the Funds of the Chuvash National Museum (materials of the 1926 excavations by P. P. Yefimenko)

Abstract

The object collection from the 17th-century Mari burial ground site near Kukshylidy village (Gornomariisky district, Mari El Republic), which was excavated in 1926 by the Middle Volga archaeological expedition led by P.P. Yefimenko, is made public for the first time. Most of the burials were executed in pits lacking additional wooden structures (Russian: grobovishche), in an extended position on the back, with a predominantly north-western orientation. The burial ground site is dated according to the numismatic material. The grave goods mainly consist of jewelry items and costume accessories; a variety of household items (knives, axes, fire lighters, etc.) are represented, and occasional arrowheads were found. The finds are described in accordance with the modern classification, and their chronological and ethno-cultural identity is attributed.

Keywords

• the Middle Volga river region
• the Later Middle Ages
• Mari culture
• burial ground
• grave goods
• jewelry