page 80–92 RUS
ÓÄÊ 903.02 EDN: MEEWXC
Ceramics from hillforts of the 2nd half of the 4th — 1st half of the 8th century AD in the Forest-Steppe Altai
Violetta O., Saybert, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, Altai State University, Barnaul, Russia, vita77792@mail.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5408-935X
Summary
The article presents the results of a study of ceramics dating from the second half of the 4th century to the first half of the 8th century AD from the Forest-Steppe Altai region, which, in cultural terms, is associated with the Odintsovo archaeological culture. The period under investigation is characterized by complex ethnocultural processes, including population migrations across the territory of Western Siberia. Ceramics originating from fortified settlements of the Odintsovo culture constitute the primary category of finds. Their systematization and analysis make it possible to most fully characterize the cultural and historical dynamics unfolding in the region during this time. The aim of this study was to process the ceramic complex, incorporating newly discovered materials that had not previously been known. For a comprehensive study, a four-stage research programme was developed. The data obtained enabled the formulation of criteria delineating three chronological stages within the development of the Odintsovo culture. The first stage is characterized by vessels predominantly decorated with impressions of an S-shaped stamp, as well as inclined and vertical impressions of a comb stamp. The second stage is marked by the presence of various impressions of a comb stamp and crescent-shaped stamp impressions. Notably, impressions made by the edge of a spatula are absent. The third stage is represented by vessels decorated with comb stamp impressions, “pits”, and pearl-like ornamentation. The data obtained allow for significant refinements to the previously established typology of ceramics from the period under consideration.
Keywords: Forest-Steppe Àltai, Odintsovo Culture, hillforts, ceramics.
© Saybert V.O., 2026
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Received 07.11.2025
Accepted 02.03.2026
Article is published: 15.06.2026
Funding. The research work was carried out with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation within the framework of the state assignment, project FZMW-2026-0008. (Topic: "Application of digital technologies and methods of natural sciences for reconstructing the ancient history of Altai and adjacent territories based on archaeological sources").
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