The study of the Eneolithic sites of the Kazakh Ishim river region (2000–2023)
Zakharov S.
31 March 2025Margulan Institute of Archaeology
Kazakhstan Archeology
2025#27Issue 131 - 66 pp.
This article is a continuation of the previously published study of the history of fieldwork at the Eneolithic sites of the Kazakhstan Ishim river region (period 1950s–1996) and examines research conducted from 2000 to 2023. The collection of information is carried out and consecutive brief description of field archaeological excavations with the analysis of their results, scientific value, scales of the investigated cultural deposit of sites is given. At the beginning of the period, the Eneolithic settlements were investigated by the Kazakh-American expedition under the leadership of S. Olsen and supported by strong scientific and technical maintenance. The objects of research were settlements of Vasilkovka IV, Krasnyi Yar I, Troitskoye V to obtain indirect evidence of horse domestication. With some time lag, a team of researchers was formed under the leadership of V. Zaibert; also he carried out conservation activities at the Botai settlement, then at other sites. Since 2003 all excavations at the Eneolithic settlements of the region were carried out under the direction of V. Zaibert and focused on the Botai settlement; since 2007–2008, they have been accompanied by natural-scientific researches with international participation and were also focused on the substantiation of domestication of the Botai horse and the development of horse breeding. In 2021–2023, the settlement of Krasnyi Yar I was investigated by excavations. It has been established that during the field work for the whole time of its conduct 13.400,5 square meters of cultural layer of Eneolithic settlements of Kazakhstan Ishim river region were investigated, 106 (fully) and 17 (partially) dwelling and housing-economic constructions were studied, a numerous collection of artifacts and materials was collected. Nowadays it is important to revise the targeting of field works, their limitations and implementation of measures to protect the cultural layer of sites from human intervention.
Botai , Botai culture , Eneolithic , history of study , Krasny Yar I , Roshchinskoe , Troitskoye V , Vasilkovka IV , Zhusan
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Margulan Institute of Archaeology, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Margulan Institute of Archaeology
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