ejournals

Information

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9197-0605

Afilliation

Jagiellonian University in Kraków

Poland

ROR ID:

Research Organization Registry icon 03bqmcz70

Articles

Sort:

Author

Reconstruction of ancient craftsmanship techniques during the Xiongnu-Xianbei period, based on the analysis of bone tools found at the Chultukov Log-9 site in Altai

Łukasz Oleszczak

Acta Archaeologica Carpathica, Volume LIX, 2024, pp. 159-190

https://doi.org/10.4467/00015229AAC.24.007.21120

The paper presents the results of research on bone artifacts from the Maima culture settlement of Chultukov Log-9. The site is dated to the Xiongnu-Xianbei period, specifically from the 3rd to the first half of the 6th century AD; its estimated area is around 5,000 square meters. The research involved the examination of 42 objects and the collection of 7,540 movable artifacts, of which approximately 4800 were made of bone. The site also revealed evidence of an advanced bone craft industry, evident not only in numerous bone and antler objects but also in the substantial accumulation of semi-finished products, waste materials, and tools used by craftsmen. Some of them were thoroughly examined in the presented paper, both based on literature, including ethnographic analogies, and through experimental replication of artifacts and their use. As a result, information was obtained regarding the possible applications of such tools as the U-shaped tools made from pelvis bones, spindle whorl, the tool made from deer scapula and the object made from the horse navicular bone. Bone tools continued to dominate in many crafts in southern Siberia during the late Iron Age (Xiongnu-Xianbei period). Experimental studies clearly demonstrate the validity of adhering to such traditions. Horse bones played a significant role as they provided material for tools used in various branches of traditional craftsmanship.

PDF

Author

The magnetic survey of the early Scythian burial site and settlements in the Turan-Uyuk valley in Tuva

Łukasz Oleszczak

Acta Archaeologica Carpathica, Vol LV, 2020, pp. 343-368

https://doi.org/10.4467/00015229AAC.20.013.13518

In 2019, Polish archaeologists took part in an expedition of the Hermitage Museum, led by K.V. Chugunov, in Chinge-Tey cemetery, Tuva (Russian Federation). This paper presents the results of magnetic surveys carried out within the so-called western chain of barrows and around the princely barrow of Chinge-Tey I. This method of non-invasive research is very well suited to the landscape and has produced a significant body of information. Among others, the survey of the western chain identified a stone mantle in barrow 8, which makes it different from other barrows from this group, whose mounds were built of earth. Another important result is the identification of a stone circle surrounding a cult feature (certainly associated with eschatological rituals) known as the northern complex. The presence of the circle came as a surprise for the investigators of the site, as it does not manifest itself at all on the surface of the site. On the other hand, worth noting is one negative result, which nevertheless allows for some conclusions, namely the lack of detectable anomalies connected with one of the tombs in the vicinity of Chinge-Tey I (barrow 15). Despite being clearly discernible in the landscape, and even more evident in LIDAR images, the barrow is invisible on images produced with a magnetometer. This means that one cannot rule out a possibility that other structures undetectable by magnetic surveys may be present within the investigated part of the cemetery. Nevertheless, one cannot but arrive at the conclusion that the results generated by the magnetic research provide significant information concerning the spatial arrangement of the cemetery and are helpful in planning of archaeological excavation.

PDF

Łukasz Oleszczak Email

Jagiellonian University in Kraków ( Poland)

Łukasz Oleszczak