Variability of ceramics of the Nura culture (based on materials from the Taldy I burial ground in the Almaty region and the Ebety II burial ground in the Aktobe region)

Research Article

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of ceramic complexes found at the Taldy I burial grounds in the Almaty region and Ebety (Ebeyty) II in the Aktobe region. The uniqueness of these finds lies in their hybrid nature: they combine well-recognized features of the ceramics of the Nura culture with elements that do not fit into the existing archaeological criteria traditionally applied to this culture. A thorough study of the characteristic features of Nura ceramics in these complexes revealed the clear presence of features indicating active interaction with the Begazy-Dandybay culture. Until now, the Almaty and Aktobe regions have traditionally not been included in the distribution area of the Nura culture. The data obtained make it possible to significantly expand the geographical boundaries of this culture, offering a new perspective on its distribution and influence. The archaeological material discovered as a result of the excavations has enormous historical and cultural value and is important for reconstructing the complex cultural and historical processes that took place in these regions in ancient times, and allows us to better understand the dynamics of the development of ancient societies. In the studied territories, we may be dealing with local variants of Nura ceramics, influenced by the Begazy-Dandybay culture. This assumption is confirmed by the presence of cup-shaped, spherical, pot-shaped, jar-shaped and other vessel shapes in one complex, which is not typical for the "pure" Nura culture. Among them, special attention is paid to the vessels on the pallet. In addition to the shapes, these differences also manifest themselves in the mixing of ornamental motifs. Among the geometric ornaments, there are decorations inherent in the later Begazy-Dandybay period, including such elements as "pearls", zigzag lines and "claw" ornaments, the presence of grooves, inclined, chaotic lines, vertical and horizontal lines, and meanders made with various techniques. Triangular and round, as well as finger indentations, drawing lines, creating patterns and borders based on them, in addition, vessel profiles with smooth outlines, combined with sharp-edged vessels, as well as the presence of polished ceramic surfaces, make it possible to trace complex processes of cultural exchange, and possibly even migration. Meanwhile, the possibility of chronological coexistence of the final stages of the Nura culture and the early stages of the Begazy-Dandybai culture cannot be ruled out. This symbiosis of traditional and innovative elements in the ceramic complexes of Taldy I and Ebety II poses new challenges for researchers, opening up new horizons for the interpretation of ancient cultural processes. Further studies of these regions will undoubtedly deepen our understanding of the complex archaeological picture of the regions of Kazakhstan.