New Investigations of ‘Mustached’ Kurgans in Northern Saryarka

Introduction. Goals. The article introduces some investigation findings and publishes new materials from the ‘mustached’ kurgans of Northern Saryarka obtained during three field seasons (2022–2024) at the Baubek Batyr-2 and Abakai burial sites. Materials and methods. The paper focuses on archaeological excavation materials from a total of three seasons at the designated sites. The work employs an interdisciplinary approach that comprises tools of remote sensing, morphometric analysis, and those of traditional archaeological research. Results. All the three investigated complexes have been identified as Type Ia according to the Grudochko typology. Particular attention is paid to the application of contemporary methods and techniques, including high-precision geodetic survey, multi-altitude UAV aerial photography, and advanced geoinformation analysis. Data processing in Agisoft Metashape Professional has made it possible to create highly detailed digital elevation models (DEM) and orthophotomaps. The use of the Openness topographic index in SAGA GIS to identify and analyze stone ridges (‘mustaches’) has become a key research element. This has secured the objective identification and mapping of these ritual constructions that are not always discernible during ground surveys. The dating materials for kurgans at Baubek Batyr-2 consisted of ceramic vessels ― a ribbed pot and an imported jug ― as well as results of a radiocarbon analysis into osteal remains conducted at the University in Poznań. Typological analogies and the obtained radiocarbon age (1575 ± 30) make it possible to date the two kurgans to the 5th century AD. The ‘mustached’ kurgan at Abakai with absent material finds is tentatively dated to the 5th–7th centuries AD. The applied interdisciplinary approach has not only refined the dating and cultural attribution of the sites but also demonstrated somewhat high effectiveness of the involved techniques for documenting and interpreting complex ritual sites.

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