Female Burials from Kurgan No. 1 of the Zhaiyk-1 Burial Site in Western Kazakhstan

ABSTRACT

The article introduces some materials from kurgan no. 1 of the Zhaiyk-1 burial site, researched in the 2019 field season. Excavations were conducted in connection with planning for the opening of the “Zhaiyk Fortified Settlement” museum. The kurgan is situated at the entrance to the territory of the future open-air museum. Due to active anthropogenic impact, the mound was in a critical state. The central part of the kurgan had been taken down by heavy equipment; destruction was documented in the western half. The entire surface of the mound has been dug extensively by burrowing animals.

Fourteen burials were studied as a result of archeological research. The mound is surrounded by a ring-shaped ditch with a marked entrance on the southern side. Buried to the west of the central grave were women in five complexes, and on the eastern side men, in seven complexes. The material obtained was deposited over several centuries: from the fifth–fourth through the fourth–third centuries BCE. This article emphasizes the female burials, since they are better preserved. Analysis of this and other factors permits us to arrive at conclusions about the significance of the role of women in ancient society.

KEYWORDS:

• Zhaiyk
• kurgan
• burial
• niched graves
• Sarmatians
• ritual
• rite
• social status markers

Notes

1. See Natal’ia A. Berseneva’s article in this issue.

2. In some possibly relevant Central Asian cultures, destroyed implements were said to be useful in the afterlife, where everything was reversed from ordinary life.

3. Early Iron Age face-down burials, while unusual and controversial, have also been found in Europe. They may indicate a special connection with the earth below, may be additional evidence that the afterlife is symbolized by reversals, or may hint at special rites that prepare the deceased for a resurrection. Since the associated grave has no high-class accoutrements, a class contrast or opprobrium may also be indicated.