Metal Artifacts from a Newly Discovered Cemetery in the Severnaya Sosva Basin, Northwestern Siberia

Abstract

We describe artifacts from a medieval cemetery near the village of Lyulikary, in the Berezovsky District of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug–Yugra. The village was first mentioned in the 14th to 15th centuries, when it was a major trade center on the route from Russia to Siberia. The place adjoining the cemetery and horizons overlying it relate to a medieval sanctuary. Some artifacts were found apart from the burials, near the surface. These include silver and copper decorations, ceremonial ware, and weaponry (a helmet, chain mail, and sabers). We describe round silver pendants representing mounted falconers, and metal shields protecting the wrist. There are also arch-shaped dangle pendants with stone inserts. Because most decorations are gilded and nielloed, and show typical decorative elements, we propose that most were manufactured in the Kama area. On the basis of comparative analysis we conclude that certain decorations, including hinged bracelets, are replicas of late 12th to early 13th century Russian prototypes. The metal ware includes fragments of a 12th century Iranian dish, fragmented goblets, bowls, and dishes, which reveal parallels with Eastern and Western European toreutics. On the basis of these parallels and characteristic features of design, these artifacts are dated to the 13th century.