This summer the Russian Geographical Society and the Institute of History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences have organized the third season of the expedition “Secrets of Ancient Artists of Siberia” in the Republic of Khakassia. Its aim is to explore the archaeological sites of the Okunev culture and numerous artistic products found in burials.
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The Okunev archaeological culture of Southern Siberia (XXV–XVIII centuries BC – the Early Bronze) was defined as an independent one in the 70s of the last century. Manifestations of its heritage are very diverse: expressive paintings on rocks, special stelas, probably depicting deities, and numerous small plastic items, often found in burials.
In the course of research of the burial ground of Red stone in the Bogradsky district, the archaeologists made a unique discovery of great scientific value for understanding of the worldviews of ancient men.
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In the ground there were found many bronze oval medals. Each of them had holes at the edges and traces of poorly preserved laces. Apparently, they were parts of a single object of ritual purpose. Its central part was occupied by a large round bronze disk, and the rest of the medals served as a frame. This breastplate could have been an element of a ritual costume. Part of the costume was also necklaces of deer teeth. The costume was folded into a special bag, which was placed, according to the ritual practice, on the feet of the buried.
In the future, the researchers will continue to study the findings.
The project is supported by a grant from the President of the Russian Federation.