Results and Prospects of Research of Slab Graves of Cis-Olkhon (Coast of Lake Baikal)

The article is devoted to summing up the results of the study of slab graves in the Cis-Olkhon (the western coast of Baikal from Cape Elokhin to the Bolshaya Buguldeika River, including Olkhon Island). The existence of this culture refers to the Late Bronze – Early Iron Ages. The Cis-Olkhon and the Kuda steppes of the Baikal region are the northern border of the spread of this culture, the center of which is Mongolia and Transbaikalia. The work is based on literary and archival information on the slab graves of the region for all years of study, including our own field works. The history of the collecting materials and their interpretation from the end of the 19th century to the present day is considered. On the territory of the Cis-Olkhon, 43 sites of slab graves were recorded, of which 19 were excavated in different years (47 graves were found). A list of archaeological objects was determined, their cartographic binding was carried out, information on burial practices, grave goods the presence of anthropological and faunal remains and their definitions for all published objects were collected. The analysis of the relationship between the location of burial grounds and the physic-geographical conditions and landscapes of the Cis-Olkhon was carried out. It was found that all of them are confined to steppe areas suitable for cattle breeding that was the basis of the economic activity of the carriers of this culture. All currently available radiocarbon dates for slab graves have been generalized and analyzed. The influence of the reservoir effect on the dating results obtained from human bones was revealed. At present, AMS radiocarbon dates (20 determinations) performed according to modern techniques are correct. The dating results demonstrate the chronological range of cultural distribution in the Cis-Olkhon within the limits of 2778–1998 cal BP (corrected date). An assessment of all available data on slab graves in the Cis-Olkhon revealed a high potential and prospects for their further research. The necessity for the publication of all discovered burials and a wider introduction of methods of natural sciences (anthropological, zooarchaeological, radiocarbon dating, taking into account the influence of the effect of a water reservoir, diet, etc.) in the study of these materials was noted

Ancient history · Archaeology · Art · Bronze Age · Cape · Geography · Radiocarbon dating · Steppe · Ancient and Medieval Archaeology Studies · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · History · Indigenous Studies and Ecology · Geology