MAIASP. 2023. No. 15

Galiya Bazarbayeva (Almaty, Kazakhstan), Gulnara Jumabekova (Almaty, Kazakhstan)

The image of antelope (saiga) in the Early Iron Age Art of Kazakhstan

DOI: 10.53737/3051.2023.74.84.037

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Pages: 893—907

The aim of the study was to analyze images of antelope, specifically Saiga tatarica, among Early Iron Age artworks in Kazakhstan. The research is based on archaeological record from the so-called ‘Zhalauly hoard’, as well as from Taldy-2, Tasmola-5, Baike-2, Tagisken, and Issyk barrows to mention but a few. Antelope-shaped motifs appear on artifacts such as headdress, belt, bone case, weapons, and horse harness. It is Saryarka, the most spacious region of Kazakhstan, which provides the biggest sample of antelope representations. The widespread occurrence of saiga images lasted from the 8^th to 5^th century BCE, with some cases, like Issyk and Tasaryk, dating back to the 4^th century BCE.

Key words: archaeology, Kazakhstan, Early Iron Age, art, antelope, saiga.

Received August 12, 2023.

Accepted for publication August 31, 2023.

About the authors:

Bazarbayeva Galiya (Almaty, Kazakhstan). PhD (History), Margulan Institute of Archaeology

E-mail: galiya2002@gmail.com

Jumabekova Gulnara (Алматы, Казахстан). PhD (History), Margulan Institute of Archaeology

E-mail: gdzhuma@mail.ru