The Mound with “Mustaches”Atasu-2

Abstract

The results of excavations of barrow with “mustaches” at Atasu river (Central Kazakhstan, Karaganda region) are presented in the paper. Barrows with "mustaches" are a little-studied type of ancient monuments. Monuments of this type were dated back to the periods of the Saks, Huns, Türks. More precise definition of their cultural and chronological affiliation is regarded as difficult but important aim. The barrow with "mustaches" Atasu-2 consists of one rounded stone mound and two stone ridges oriented to the east. In 1977, near the mound was found a stone sculpture of the Saka type. Since 2015, investigation at Atasu area were conducted under the leadership of A.Z. Beisenov. Two pits were discovered under the embankment where the iron arrowheads and items of horse harness were found. Details of horse harness are represented by the different tips of the belts plaques, the head piece and the lining of the forward parts of the saddle flanges. The details of the set are made of an alloy of gold and silver in a polychrome style which has analogies in the archaeological sites of the Hunnish time in Eastern Europe. By analogies the complex is dated by the authors of the middle / second half of the 5th century, and is synchronized with the antiquities of the horizon D2 / D3 of the central European chronology of J. Teiral. The presented materials replenish in science a few information on the Hunnish time of Central Kazakhstan.

Keywords

• archaeology
• Central Kazakhstan
• Atasu river
• mound with “mustaches”
• stone statue
• excavations
• details of horse harness
• arrowheads
• chronology
• Hunnish time