MAIASP. 2024. No. 16

A.A. Vnukov (Tula, Russia), S.V. Yartsev (Tula, Russia), E.V. Shushunova (Tula, Russia), V.G. Zubarev (Tula, Russia)

Social and cultural analysis of a figured belt buckles from the Chief Burial in the Porogi village and its historical context

DOI: 10.53737/2713-2021.2024.60.29.022

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Pages: 501—511

The main purpose of the article is a social and cultural analysis of a figured belt buckles from the Sarmatian chief burial in the village of Porogi, dating the last quarter of the 1st century CE. The artefact under consideration has no analogues in the Northern Black Sea region. It is a unique piece of jewellery art with clearly oriental features. According to the authors, the mythological animal-style scene embossed on it, where the main character is a rider of Mongoloid appearance on an exotic “horse” (panther or leopard), comes from Han dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, similar plots on gold jewellery were necessary for the upper elite to demonstrate their authority and privileges. Researchers believe that such items could not be imported to the Northern Black Sea coast, as they had a great sacral significance in the Han dynasty. By the 2nd century BCE, gold was increasingly used in personal jewellery and served as a status symbol. The barbarians roaming on the northern border of the empire received it only as rich gifts, payoffs or when concluding treaties of alliance. Therefore, it is noteworthy to connect the appearance of the analysed figured belt buckles with the Xiongnu of Claudius Ptolemy, whose ecumene the ancient geographer localised in European Sarmatia. According to the authors, these buckles could have come to the Xiongnu during the numerous military campaigns with ancient China. The authors agree with the domestic researchers’ opinion that the burial near the village of Porogi is Sarmatian according to the grave goods left in it. Xiongnu armament supplies in it indicate only the connection of the Sarmatians under Inesmey with Asian aliens. The context of the burial from the Porogi allows the authors to conclude that some part of the Xiongnu joined the nomads of the Sarmatian king. According to the research team, this is evidenced by the bone covers of a compound bow of the Xiongnu type found in the burial and images of compound tamgas of the Sarmatian leader, which served to demonstrate his authority not only over his own clan, but also over the subordinate tribes, including the Xiongnu who came from Asia.

Key words: Northern Black Sea region, China, Han dynasty, Sarmatians, Xiongnu, barbaric world, authority, the village of Porogi, gold jewellery

Received June 15, 2024

Accepted for publication July 12, 2024

About the authors:

Vnukov Artem Andreevich (Tula, Russia). Tula State Lev Tolstoy Pedagogical University

E-mail: vnukovartemy@yandex.ru

Yartsev Sergey Vladimirovich (Tula, Russia). Dr. habil. (History), Tula State Lev Tolstoy Pedagogical University

E-mail: s-yartsev@yandex.ru

Shushunova Elena Valer’evna (Tula, Russia). PhD (History), Tula State Lev Tolstoy Pedagogical University

E-mail: schuschunova.elena@yandex.ru

Zubarev Viktor Gennadyevich (Tula, Russia). Dr. habil. (History), Tula State Lev Tolstoy Pedagogical University

E-mail: parosta@mail.ru