The Dyuker Burial Ground (Republic of Kalmykia): Late Sarmatian burials

Abstract

Introduction. Clusters of Late Sarmatian burials known both in complexes of earlier grave groups and in the form of separate burial grounds are quite often found throughout of East European steppes. Rescue archaeological excavations in Octyabrsky District of Kalmykia revealed some new sites of the Late Sarmatian period. So, 19 burials dated the period were discovered within the Dyuker mound group. The study is a continuation of comprehensive works – since 2017 – aiming to restore and introduce into scientific discourse archaeological materials of the Dyuker mound group. The examined burial materials have never been published before; the burials under consideration have not been included into current statistic papers dealing with Late Sarmatian burials in the Lower Volga Region. Conclusion. The conducted work makes it possible to supplement the general database on the Late Sarmatian tribes of the Volga Region. The article describes 19 burials of the Late Sarmatian period. The work examines burial items contained in the Palmov National Museum of Kalmykia. A detailed analysis of the burials reveals a fairly standard character of burial rites typical for Late Sarmatian tribes. On the basis of the data obtained, a conclusion was made regarding the social status of the buried individuals during that period. The tradition of burial rites of the graves investigated includes some elements inherent to the culture of the Middle Sarmatian historical community.