POLYPOD VESSELS IN BURIAL RITUALS OF THE EARLY METAL AGE CULTURES OF STEPPE EURASIA

Abstract

The paper focuses on the functions of specific forms of ceramic vessels in burial rituals of the Early Metal Age cultures of Western and Eastern steppe Eurasia. A classification of polypod vessels is suggested, their place and role in burial rituals of Pit-Grave, Catacomb, Afanasiev and Okunev cultures are considered. The positions of polypod vessels in burial complexes are analyzed. With this basis, the author attempts to reconstruct the role of polypod vessels in burial rituals of the Early Metal Age cultures of Southern Siberia.

Keywords

• eneolithic period
• afanasiev culture
• indo-european studies
• polypod vessels
• genesis of cultures