BONE AND HORN PRODUCTS FROM THE EXCAVATIONS OF THE TETYUSHI–II HILLFORT IN TATARSTAN
Abstract
The article summarizes the materials related to bone and horn products from the excavations of the Tetyushi-II hillfort. It was studied in 2007–2013 by K.A. Rudenko. The site has good stratigraphy, which allows dating these finds based on these data. The lower deposits of the cultural layer were formed in the Late Bronze Age — the beginning of the Early Iron Age. The main part of the cultural layer of this settlement was formed in the early Middle Ages and belongs to the Imenkovo cultural and historical community. They are dated to the 6th‑7th centuries. Therefore, bone and horn products belong to these two eras. A distinctive feature of the Tetyushi-II hillfort is the presence of an industrial complex associated with iron metallurgy, blacksmithing, and non-ferrous metal processing. This leaves an imprint on the material culture of this site, including the range of bone and horn products. In total, 85 of these artifacts, both whole and fragmented, were recorded in the cultural layer and in ancient structures. They can be divided into six groups. Group I — raw materials and production waste; II — decorations and costume details, III — tools; IV — horse harness and equipment details; V — hunting items; VI — items of indefinite purpose. For group V, a class of special-purpose items was identified — arrowheads. The largest number of items belong to the second group — 47,1% of all finds. The quantitative predominance of items in group II is due, on the one hand, to the widespread use of decorations in the everyday life of the ancient population, and on the other — to the presenceof materials from different chronological periods. This applies to decorations made from the claws and fangs of predatory animals. These are boar and bear. There are also decorations made from the teeth and jaws of martens. Items from the fourth and fifth groups are interesting. Among them is a special attachment for a horse bit, which is typical of the Kushnarenkovo culture, which is associated with the nomadic Ugrians. Of interest is a small series of bone arrowheads. These arrowheads are associated with the end of the early period in the history of the Tetyushi-II hillfort. They are dated to the 6th century AD. Only one bone arrowhead dates back to the early Iron Age. It was established that bone and horn items were made individually, reflecting the abilities and skills of individual residents of this settlement. Ornaments made from animal fangs and teeth were often amulets. A large number of them date back to the early Iron Age.
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References
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