nscArchaeology, Ethnology & Anthropology of EurasiaАрхеология, этнография и антропология Евразии1563-0110IAET SB RAS10.17746/1563-0110.2025.53.3.131-139nsc-2266Research ArticleTHE METAL AGES AND MEDIEVAL PERIODЭПОХА ПАЛЕОМЕТАЛЛАBone Carving Among Early Iron Age Nomads of Eastern Kazakhstan: The Case of Berelhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-6312-1024BorodovskyA. P.

Borodovsky A.P., Chief Researcher

pr. Akademika Lavrentieva 17, Novosibirsk, 630090

altaicenter2011@gmail.comInstitute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of SciencesRussian Federation202509102025533131139Copyright © Borodovsky A.P., 20252025Borodovsky A.P.Borodovsky A.P.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.https://journal.archaeology.nsc.ru/jour/article/view/2266

This study addresses carved bone artifacts crafted by Early Iron Age nomads of Eastern Kazakhstan as compared to those from more easterly areas of the Altai-Sayan Highland. A large sample of carved horn details of harness and bridle from a horse burial in mound 36 at the Berel cemetery, Altai, is described with a view to revealing the peculiarities of this craft among the Early Iron Age nomads of Kazakhstan. A comprehensive analysis (structural, morphological, and technological) suggests that all the artifacts were manufactured using two types of horn plate as blanks. The collection evidences a variety of techniques for processing antlers. Details of bridle and harness, made of various materials, attest to mobility, rationality, and cyclicity in Early Iron Age nomadic societies of Eurasia.

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The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest present.