Abstract
Purpose
. During the Early Iron Age, three cultures existed in the Surgut-Ob River region: the Beloyarsk and Kalinkinskaya cultures (7
th
– 4
th
centuries BC) and the Kulai culture (4
th
– 3
rd
centuries BC – 3
rd
– 4
th
centuries AD). Horse bones have been found in some settlements belonging to these cultures. The aim of this study is to describe these finds and the methods of horse use. Materials and Methods. Horse remains from 11 settlements are described. Radiocarbon dating of five horse teeth from four settlements was conducted, and the δ
13
C and δ
15
N values in collagen were determined. Results. In the Surgut-Ob River region, horses were first recorded at sites of the Kalinkinskaya culture. They were also found in settlements of the later Kulaiskaya culture. No reliable finds have been found from the Beloyarsk culture sites. The horse remains are dominated by skull bones, which is due to taphonomic features. The most stable bones (teeth) from the accumulations (probably sacrificial sites) were preserved. Remains of young, immature, adult, and elderly individuals were found. Conclusion. Horses were initially imported from more southern regions. The age distribution and
13
C and
15
N isotope analysis indicate that horses were bred by the Kalinka and Kulai cultures. However, animals continued to be imported from southern regions. The main purpose of keeping horses was transportation and use as riding animals. Horses played an important role in rituals, as reflected in materials found in sanctuaries and religious artifacts. They played a minor role in the food industry