THE ADAPTATION OF THE SEIMA-TURBINO TRADITION TO THE BRONZE AGE CULTURES IN THE SOUTH OF THE WEST SIBERIAN PLAIN

Abstract

Seima-Turbino type clay bronze-casting molds from the Middle Bronze Age sites in the middle Irtysh basin (Chernoozerye VI, Abramovo-10, and Vengerovo-2) are described with regard to construction, composition of paste, and types of casts. Special attention is paid to the archaeological context. At Abramovo-10, the casting area was located between the houses; at Vengerovo-2, in a special structure with furnaces and utility pits. Similar types of casting areas, furnaces, and reusable molds attest to the unifi cation of the casting process and a sophisticated tradition practiced by the autochthonous Krotovo people, who, judging by the molds and casts, manufactured the Seima-Turbino type bronze weapons themselves. Irtysh with its tributaries was a transportation route along which the tradition spread. Initially Seima-Turbino bronze artifacts had been imported, but eventually they were replicated by local casters, who, in certain respects, adhered to their own metallurgical tradition.