Male burials with juverly of the Andronovo (Fedorovo) culture (steppe and forest-steppe Altai)

Abstract

This article focuses on the systematization and analysis of jewelry found in male burials at the Andronovo necropolises of the steppe and forest-steppe regions of Altai. The study identifies six distinct types of jewelry that were worn by the Andronovo population, with ring-shaped (tubular) earrings being the most prevalent in this area. Notably, the manner in which men and women wore or used the same jewelry differed. Jewelry appears to have been worn by men of all ages, likely starting around the age of three, although it was most commonly found in the burials of young men. An analysis of the burial practices indicates that male burials containing jewelry did not significantly differ from the majority of adult burials. However, planigraphic analysis revealed that graves with jewelry tended to cluster together, suggesting that these metal adornments may signify the owners' affiliation with a specific clan or social group.

Comparing these findings with data from neighboring regions indicates that populations across the Andronovo community had their own systems of age classification and distinct «fashions,» which were reflected not only in female attire but also in male costumes. The prevalent use of metal jewelry in men's costumes serves as a defining characteristic of the Andronovo complexes in Altai, highlighting the uniqueness of this region.