Bronze Eight-Shaped Clasps as Chronological Markers of the Pyany Bor Culture

Abstract

The authors discuss the chronological positions of eight-shaped clasps originating from 17 burials of the Pyany Bor culture. Clasps were found in both male and female burials. There are 10 skeletons identifed as male burials, and six ones as female. It is not possible to determine the sex of person in one burial. All clasps are made of bronze. The length of the clasps varies from 1.9 to 7.6 cm. The frames of the clasps are decorated in the form of round or oval rings directly adjacent to each other. On a number of clasps there are protrusions-"pins", some of which are decorated in the form of a stylized animal head (bear?). The largest number of clasps was found in the Kipchakovo I burial mound. The authors come to the conclusion that the eight-shaped Pyany Bor clasps by themselves cannot act as chronological markers of the initial stage of the Pyany Bor culture. However, it is impossible to completely deny the dating capabilities of eight-shaped fasteners. The authors suggested that clasps have a dating value when combined with quivers containing bronze arrowheads and, possibly, with epaulet-shaped clasps of simple shapes.