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Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the contents of main classes of biologically active polyphenols in leaf extracts were analyzed in the medicinal species Spiraea chamaedryfolia L. (Rosaceae) and Lonicera caerulea subsp. altaica L. (Caprifoliaceae). Their features were studied in relation to the macroelement and trace element contents in soil and phytomass in sites with sporadic occurrence of serpentinites in the Altai Mountains. A total of 16 polyphenolic compounds were identified for the first time in S. chamaedryfolia leaf extracts. Of these, three compounds were attributed to phenol carboxylic acids; ten, to flavonols; two, to flavones; and one was identified as a flavanone. In L. caerulea subsp. altaica, the analysis confirmed the polyphenolic composition measured earlier, including hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols, and flavones, and identified an additional compound as a flavanone. Species-specific shifts in plant secondary metabolism were found to occur in response to specific edaphic properties and the accumulation of macroelements and trace elements in leaves of plants growing in an area with a natural geochemical anomaly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a rare insight into the biodiversity of a remote, mountainous area of central Asia and outline challenges to conserve the critically endangered keystone argali (Ovis ammon ammon L.), the largest subspecies of mountain sheep. Existing conservation is set in the context of competition with livestock grazing and disturbance by local pastoralists. We suggest how this pressure would increase as pastures become degraded by a future more arid climate. Focusing on the transboundary population, migrating between the Russian and Mongolian Altai over the Sailugem Ridge, we track historical population numbers. Due to increased protection, the argali's local population is currently growing. However, most argali populations live outside the protected areas where they are forced to compete for forage with livestock. Due to ever-increasing anthropogenic pressures, argali has almost reached the region's environmental capacity, so the number of local populations is decreasing. Consequently, even the current situation requires more areas of protection, and climate change will accelerate pasture degradation, thereby further increasing competition with livestock. We present various ways to predict the impacts of changes in climate, e.g., the "7 M's approach" and grazing pressure and then recommend additional conservation measures acceptable for the indigenous population of traditional pastoralists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Based on paleogenetic analysis of anthropological remains from Denisova Cave in Altai Mountains, a previously unknown population of fossil people, the Denisovans, was discovered, and a complex picture of their interaction with Neanderthals was established. Currently, 17 skeletal remains of Paleolithic hominins discovered in the cave have been identified, and fragments of ancient human DNA have been isolated from its Pleistocene deposits. This work is devoted to the characteristics of the Denisova Cave inhabitants based on a comprehensive analysis of currently known paleoanthropological and paleogenetic data. We show that the oldest human remains in Altai were found in the basal deposits of the Denisova Cave. They belong to the Denisovans, hominins that share a common ancestor with Neanderthals but a different population history. The lower culture-bearing layers with finds from the initial stage of the Middle Paleolithic contain fragments of genomes that differ from the Denisovan genomes from the overlying sediments, indicating the existence of two different populations of Denisovans. The earliest evidence of the appearance of Neanderthals in Altai was also found in Denisova Cave. A complete genome sequence was isolated from the phalanx of the foot, which received the conditional name Altai Neanderthal. Between the populations of Neanderthals and Denisovans in Altai, there was a regular exchange of genetic material.

The paper concerns the analysis of the patterns and peculiarities of the settlement of ethnic groups in the territory of the Altai Republic and identification of cultural landscapes formed by these groups. The main source of information was represented by the results of the 2021 Russian Census. The use of interviewing and literature analysis allowed the verification of some data of the Census related to the ethnic identity of the residents in the region. In particular, some inaccuracies and discrepancies in the assignment of the population to specific subethnic groups of the Altaians were identified and, accordingly, improved indicators of the population count for these groups have been proposed. From the results of the study, a map of ethno-cultural differentiation of the territory of the Altai Republic has been compiled, which shows areas of settlement of main ethnic groups, as well as ethno-contacting zones. The area of settlement of the Russian population spans the low- and mid-mountain regions in the north of the Republic. Also, in Central Altai, old-believers resettling there in the 18th–19th cc. formed yet another isolated areal of Russian population. The Northern Altaians (Chelkans, Tubalars, Kumandins) live in taiga low-mountain regions of North-Eastern Altai (Turochaksky, Choysky and Mayminsky Districts). In doing so, they have mixed to a large extent with the Russian population. The Southern Altaians (Altai-Kizhi and Telengits) have the largest territory of population, living mainly in Ust’-Kansky, Ongudaysky, Ust’-Koksinsky, Shebalinsky, Chemalsky (Altai-Kizhi), Ulagansky, and Kosh-Agachsky (Telengits) Districts. Kazakhs live compactly in the territory of Kosh-Agachsky District, as well as have a smaller enclave in Ust’-Kansky District (the village of Turata).

The article presents an ornamented iron stirrup from a rich and noble early Medieval burial in the Balyk-Sook area in the central part of the Russian Altai. This burial is unique not only for South Siberia, but also for neighborring regions, as within it, with the warrior, four horses and protective armour were found. During the course of restoration work, it was established that the arcs and the plate loop of the stirrup were originally gilded and engraved with complex floral ornamentation, the stirrup foot was decorated with gold wire inlay in the form of floral curls. This is the first find of such type in Altai. The burial containing the stirrup was radiocarbon dated to the second half of the 7th — third quarter of the 8th c. The author provides a wide range of similarities among the “status” or “ceremonial” stirrups from funerary and memorial sites of nomadic nobility, including the Kagans from South Siberia, Central Asia, and Eastern and Central Europe, including the such sites of Kagan status as Shoroon Bumbagar in Central Mongolia and Yeleke sazy in Eastern Kazakhstan, Uibat and Tashebinsk Chaatases in the Minusinsk Basin, the Pereshchepinsk hoard and the Voznesenka memorial complex in Eastern Europe, rich Avar burials in Central Europe, and others. Massive and high stirrups with a plate loop were specifically considered during the Medieval period as “status” stirrups, and in some cases they were additionally decorated with ornamentation. They could be cast in gold or silver, covered with gold or silver leaf, decorated with complex ornamentation in various techniques, or decorated with shaped cuts in the stirrup foot. While Avar stirrups, based on Byzantine coins in burials, are dated to the late 6th — early 7th c., radiocarbon dating and analogies show that Central Asian stirrups belong to a later period — second half of the 7th — 8th c., and in some cases to the 9th c. Highly ornamented stirrups from the monuments of South Siberia and Central Asia were probably made on order by Chinese masters for the Turkic-speaking nobility, or may have been received as diplomatic gifts from Tang China.

This paper presents a detailed chronological study of the previously undisturbed burial ground of Choburak-I of the Bulan-Koby Culture in the Northern Altai using a program of comprehensive dating, including AMS 14C dating of human and animal remains (26 14C dates from 12 kurgans in total), and archaeological dating of the associated artifacts. This completely excavated cemetery contained numerous grave goods and various organic remains (anthropological and archaeozoological) critical for understanding the social and chronological dynamics of this culture during the Rouran period in Altai (second half of the 4th–first half of the 6th century CE). The results of archaeological dating, supported by the largest set of AMS 14C dates for the Bulan-Koby Culture, and further aided by Bayesian analysis, demonstrate the likely continuous existence of the necropolis within the period of 310–400 cal CE, which broadly corresponds to the beginning of the Rouran period in the history of Altai, with a maximum duration of 66 years. The presented results make it possible to consider the necropolis of Choburak-I as a chronologically defining monument of the Rouran period of Northern Altai and permit a new level of relative and absolute chronological reconstructions for archaeological sites of this region and adjacent territories at the turn of late antiquity and the early Middle Ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article presents new information on the location of the Pallas's cat in the territory of the Katon-Karagai National Park, including data obtained from camera traps.

The article reports on the results of an interdisciplinary scientific expedition to the Ukok Plateau of the Kosh-Agachsky District, Altai Republic, Russia, that took place in August 2021. Freshwater molluscs were collected from the lakes Ukok and Kaldzhin-Kul. The morphological and molecular genetic analyses show that the snails collected from the two lakes are of the Ampullaceana lagotis species. However, the study identified a range of morphological and genetic differences between the molluscs from the two different lakes. This indicates that they represent isolates. In addition, the lack of intrapopulation variability in A. lagotis molluscs may indicate a relatively recent settlement of these snails in the lakes Ukok and Kaldzhin-Kul.

The article presents the study of the Dyalyan tradition of ritual practice characteristic of one of the groups of the Bulan-Koby archaeological culture of Altai in the last quarter of the 1st millennium BC – the first half of the 1st millennium AD. The key features of this tradition are identified, the most significant of which is the burial of an individual oriented to the western sector of the horizon, accompanied by a horse laid “above” or “at the feet” of the buried individual. 45 similar burials localized in the northern and central Altai have been excavated to date. These burials demonstrate the features of the formation and evolution of the Dyalyan tradition throughout the entire period of the existence of the Bulan-Koby culture. This group of the population had the greatest importance in the pre-Turkic period (second half of the 4th – first half of the 5th centuries AD). New materials from the excavations of the Choburak-I necropolis, one of the demonstrative objects of which is published and analyzed in the article, confirm that in the nomads of Dyalyan tradition were representatives of the local elite in the Northern Altai. This is evidenced by the composition of the accompanying inventory from the studied burials which included advanced models of weapons and defensive armament, equipment for a person and a riding horse. The possibilities of reconstructing the historical fate of the Dyalyan tradition bearers are presented. It should be stressed that the characteristic features of the rite were not continued in the funeral practice of the early medieval Turks. The available rather fragmentary materials make it possible to outline the western direction of the migrations of the “Dyalyans” (probably as part of the Rouran community), as well as to make an assumption about their participation in the formation of certain population groups of the Srostki culture of the Forest-Steppe Altai.

The article presents the study of the collection of bladed weapons, obtained during the excavations of the Rouran period burials on Choburak-I necropolis. This site is located in the Chemal district of the Altai Republic. The analyzed series of weapons includes three swords and six combat knives found in the burials of four adult men and one teenager. It has been established that the complex of long-bladed weapons is represented by single-edged blades without crosshairs and pommel, with a semi-segmental tip. The surviving combat knives with a triangular blade section are divided into two types, distinguished by a straight handle and a handle inclined towards the blade. The published collection demonstrates typical examples of weapons of the nomads of Central Asia of the 4th – 5th centuries AD. New excavation materials confirm the thesis that swords were a status category of weapons among the population of Altai during the Great Migration period. Burials with such items, investigated as part of the Choburak-I necropolis, differed in the representative composition of the inventory, and, judging by the available data, belonged to military leaders or especially distinguished professional soldiers.

In this paper, the trend of changes in the surface of forests created by natural succession, artificial establishment and combined in the area of Altai (Russian Federation) was investigated. The method of time series analysis for the period 2019-2023 was used. The obtained dispersion measures show that the linear trend model is representative. A trend of increasing the area under forest by an average of 368.5 hectares per year was determined as a result of afforestation and natural progressive succession of vegetation. The area of actually established forests in the analyzed period was larger than planned each year (7237 ha/year), and individual growth rates show an increase in new forest areas. The success of afforestation with white pine seedlings expressed by area in all years of the analyzed period was above 50%. However, in these areas, the success of afforestation with white pine seedlings shows a negative trend, i.e. a decrease of 58.2 ha/year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Historical Sciences. Philosophy. Religion Series is the property of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article provides original information about relict phenomena in the structure of the forest component of the mountain forest-steppe of Southern Siberia (SS). Larch (Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.)) shrub-grass forests are characteristic element of vegetation in the forest-steppe of the SS. The oldest are the Pliocene, the most thermophilic analogues of the modern forest-steppe, noted in the foothills of the Western Tannu-Ola ridge (Horlety) is a small leaved larch, dwarf-gmelin wormwood with participation in the community of mountain-Asian elements of ancient Middle-earth. It is important to note that in the species composition of the relict larch forest, the role of characteristic boreal species such as spirea (Spiraea media Schmidt), prickly wild rose (Rosa acicularis Lindl.) is insignificant in comparison with typical elements of semiarid florocenotypes of the Ancient Middle Earth. Among them, participation in the shrub layer of the small-leaved honeysuckle community, an element of the Altai-Dzhungar-Tien Shan relict florocenotype of highland Asian shrubs, is especially significant in phylogenetic terms. In the conditions of Western Transbaikalia, in the spurs of the ridge Malyi Khamar-Daban (Inzagatuy tract) describes the relict larch forest with the participation of characteristic species of the periglacial Pleistocene complex. In the Quaternary period – especially the xerothermic phases of the Holocene, as mountains deglaciate and a relatively warm and temperate climate develops, conditions are created for the formation of a modern mountain forest-steppe in the conditions of the semi-humid climatic regime of the SS. For example, forb-iris-sedge larch, characterized by a rich species composition of herbaceous plants, along with a well-developed undergrowth. This is expressed in the processes of mesoxerophytization of vegetation with the development of floristic complexes of meadow steppes and hemiboreal forests in the structure of phytocoenocomplexes of mountain exposure forest-steppe from Altai to Transbaikalia.

Geophysical observations of the structure of glacial-permafrost rock formations (hereinafter referred to as GPRF), common in the Central Altai in the valleys of the Chuya, Dzhelo, Elangash and Akkol rivers, were carried out by way of electrical resistivity tomography using the multi-electrode electro-prospecting station “Skala-48”. The main objective of the research was to identify the features of the internal structure of GPRF basing on the data of electrical sounding and aerial photography. The application of the geophysical method made it possible to localize rock-ice cores within the GPRF. Analysis of the geoelectrical crosssections allowed finding that the rock-ice cores were characterized by high values of specific electrical resistance (SER) – from 10 to 100 kOhm × m and more. The depths of occurrence of rock-ice material on the geoelectrical sections varied from 2 to 10 m, on the average. Using the data of the aerial photography carried out above the studied areas, three-dimensional geoelectric models and maps of the distribution of SER were built for different depths. When analyzing the three-dimensional model of the GPRF, it is clearly noticeable that the features of the nature of the SER distribution reflects the inhomogeneous distribution of ice within the rock-ice core of the GPRF. As a result of our studies performed by the method of electrical tomography and interpretation of a three-dimensional geoelectric model, it was estimated that thicknesses of the rock-ice material varied from 7 to 32 m, thawing niches were revealed and localized, and the potential volume of the rock-ice core was determined. Thus, the above mentioned geophysical and geomorphological studies in that the features of the internal structure of GPRF in key areas have been established. For each GPRF, the thicknesses, resistivity, and depth of occurrence of rock-ice cores were determined, and the dependence of the morphological structure of the GPRF surface on internal structure of them was analyzed. A preliminary assessment of water reserves in individual GPRF had also been made.

Stable isotopes investigation was carried out in the territory of the Yuzhno-Chuya Ridge (Central Altai) during the ablation season of 2022. Samples were taken to determine the contribution of meltwater and precipitation to feeding of water bodies. The main research objects are Nekrasov glacier – Tamozennoye Lake system and Taldura River. In the basin of Lake Tamozennoye, the average ice δ18O of the Nekrasov glacier (‒17.3%) was obtained. Based on the isotopic composition of ice and precipitation, it was estimated that in the stream flowing into Lake Customs, the contribution of glacier meltwater varies from 28 to 67%, on average 54%. For a stream flowing out of a lake, the proportion of meltwater is higher: 48–72, 61% on average. First of all, meltwater enters the lake by filtration through the moraine, and not by surface runoff. Along the Taldura River, δ18O does not change significantly (δ18O –16.58 … –16.84%) for 38 km before the Taldura River confluence into the Chagan River. This indicates the complete predominance of glacier meltwater in the river feeding in the middle of the ablation season. Repeated sampling of water from the Taldura River 5 km from the edge of the glacier showed, that the effect of precipitation can be traced in the isotopic composition of river water, but it does not exceed 20%.

A geoelectric field, voltages between grounding points of the Altai Republic power grid and geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) in power lines and grounding nodes were calculated in homogeneously conducting Earth’s crust model with the resistivity of 5⋅1025⋅102 Ohm·m based on the magnetic station “Baygazan”data in the Russian Altai. These estimations have shown that the geoelectric field increased up to 30 mV/km, the potenthial difference between the power line grounding points reached value of 3.5 V and GIC value reached 0.12 A during the geomagnetic storm on August 5, 2023 (Kp=5–6) with geomagnetic field change rate increasing up to 10–15 nT/min. The GIC value in power line depends on the geoelectric field orientation. High rate of the north geomagnetic field component change causes GIC in latitude – oriented lines (Kosh-Agach – Inya, Ulagan – Inya, Ust-Koksa – Inya), high one for east component causes GIC in meridian – oriented line (Cherga – Inya). The resistancies asymmetry of the ’Ulagan – Inya’ and ’Ust-Koksa – Inya’ power lines causes an increase of GIC at Ininskaya substation grounding node with latitude-oriented geoelectric fields. The calculated data are compared with the results of monitoring of even harmonics amplitudes at the Ininskaya power substation. It is shown that the calculated value of the GIC in the grounded neutral of the power transformer at the Ininskaya substation correlates with the amplitude of even harmonics during the geomagnetic storm.

A little-known species, Pterostichus (Cryobius) kuraicus Shilenkov, 2000, is redescribed on the material collected in south-western slopes of the Mongolian Altai range, Xinjiang-Uygur autonomous region of China (first record for China). External characters and structures of male genitalia, including that of the aedeagus and the endophallus, as well as the apical gonocoxites are figured for the first time. Geographic variation and bionomics in the southern part of the specific area are discussed. Additionally, the corrected data on the distribution and type specimens are provided for P. (Cryobius) shilenkovi Erjiomin et Kabak, 1991 from the Southern Altai mountains (Eastern Kazakhstan), the photos of external and genital characters of paratypes are given.

As a response to the special military operation, the discourse on the “colonial” nature of the Russian Federation and the prominent local identity among students in the national-territorial regions of the SFD, such as the Republics of Altai, Khakassia and Tuva, have amplified. This poses the question of the formation of a civic identity and patriotic feelings among young people as the basis for legitimizing political institutions and structures. Important mechanisms for the consolidation and mobilization of patriotic-minded youth are patriotic organizations. As a result of content analysis of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation’s information portal, social network pages of patriotic organizations (n = 121) and expert polls of leaders and members of organizations (n = 85), the authors have identified several categories of patriotic activities, which are aimed at the formation of a civic identity and patriotic feelings among young people in the mentioned regions. It was found that in all the regions studied, organizations of a military-patriotic and military-historical orientation, focused on forming a national identity, predominate. The ethnic component in the activity of patriotic organizations is more present in Khakassia and Tuva, however, in general share of patriotic organizations its representation is insignificant. The processes of standardization and unification of methods of work, formats of events and governing structures of these organizations, associated with the majority of youth patriotic organizations coming under the patronage of the federal movement “Yunarmia”, on the one hand, level out local and ethnic identities, and on the other hand, contribute to the formation of a statist model of patriotism among youth.

We present a rare insight into the biodiversity of a remote, mountainous area of central Asia and outline challenges to conserve the critically endangered keystone argali (Ovis ammon ammon L.), the largest subspecies of mountain sheep. Existing conservation is set in the context of competition with livestock grazing and disturbance by local pastoralists. We suggest how this pressure would increase as pastures become degraded by a future more arid climate. Focusing on the transboundary population, migrating between the Russian and Mongolian Altai over the Sailugem Ridge, we track historical population numbers. Due to increased protection, the argali’s local population is currently growing. However, most argali populations live outside the protected areas where they are forced to compete for forage with livestock. Due to ever-increasing anthropogenic pressures, argali has almost reached the region’s environmental capacity, so the number of local populations is decreasing. Consequently, even the current situation requires more areas of protection, and climate change will accelerate pasture degradation, thereby further increasing competition with livestock. We present various ways to predict the impacts of changes in climate, e.g., the “7 M’s approach” and grazing pressure and then recommend additional conservation measures acceptable for the indigenous population of traditional pastoralists.

The Pazyryk Culture, situated in the Altai Mountains of Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China, flourished for a relatively short period: 5th–3rd centuries BCE. A series of burial grounds from the later phase, 4th–mid-3rd centuries BCE, to be studied here reveal the remains of three groups of individuals of high, mid, and lower status. Within the limiting topographical and environmental confines of the local region, in contrast to the vast grasslands of the steppe and the deserts and oases of Central Asia, it is possible via the analysis of material culture and with reference to ethnographic studies to see nuances of interaction among these three groups and the regions immediately adjacent during this short period. Aided by modern scientific techniques, including DNA and isotopic analysis, together with analysis of excavated and often frozen remains, it is also possible to map out a heterarchical set of relationships within the hierarchical framework. The model developed in this unique landscape might be tested elsewhere in Eurasia as it extends the application of the notion of nonuniform socio-political organization among pastoralists noted for Bronze Age societies in the Eurasian steppe to the late Iron Age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The 1920s and the beginning of the 1930s forever entered the history of Ukraine as a period of incredible development of the cultural and artistic sphere. The rapid development of culture contributed to the spread of reporting, which helped readers to clearly, dynamically, in detail, and documentary accurately show a fragment of the life of that time. Relevance and goal. The relevance of the research is determined by the fact that the genre-stylistic and thematic features of the reports of 1920−1930 are still under-researched and, therefore, require meticulous analysis. The goal is to investigate the specifics of the creation of the image of Altai in the Ukrainian literary reportage on the travel theme «Altai» by V. Hzhytsky based on a comprehensive and detailed analysis. Methodology. To study the outlined issue, general scientific methods of material selection and systematization, comparative analysis, bibliographical-descriptive, cultural-historical, and descriptive analytical methods, as well as the method of generalization were used. The results. Volodymyr Hzytsky’s report «Altai», which he wrote after visiting the Oirot Autonomous Region in 1928, was thoroughly analyzed. The author chose a chronological type of composition, which allows him not only to describe events but also to share his impressions and thoughts from what he saw. V. Hzytsky tries to make his report as interesting as possible for the reader. That is why he talks in detail about the nature of Altai, the mentality, traditions, and culture of the local population. The language of the report is extremely simple, and informal. One gets the impression that the reporter is simply talking to his readers and conveying the necessary information to them. Conclusions. Despite more than ninety years since it was written, V. Hzytsky’s literary report on the travel subject «Altai» is read with interest even today. V. Hzytsky’s observations are original, they do not repeat well-known truths – they are unexpected and always exciting. A vivid description of everything that the reporter saw, with his emotions, feelings, and impressions allows readers to feel the personal presence of the author, his «I». Thanks to the availability of a large amount of factual material, this report is especially valuable because it helps to feel the spirit of the era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The features of the hydrological regime of two periglacial lakes with a transgressive development phase, located on the Tavan–Bogdo–Ola mountain range in the Altai Republic, are described based on analysis of the variability of the hydrological and morphometric characteristics of the lakes using satellite images and data from field hydrological observations, which were carried out by the authors in July–August 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The calling songs and acoustic behavior features of male grasshoppers of the genus Eclipophleps Tarbinsky of the tribe Hypernephiini are described for the first time. New data on the distribution of Eclipophleps glacialis Bey-Bienko in Russia, as well as of E. kerzhneri Mistshenko and E. confinis Mistshenko in Mongolia are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the problem of the formation of a hoard composed from early bronze “Scythian-type” cauldrons with ring-shape handles and Eastren Zhou ritual tripods "ding", found on the river Buduun-gol in the Khuder sum of the Selenge aimag of Mongolia, not far from the border of the Republic of Buryatia. Previously, tripods "ding" together with a "Scythian-type" cauldrons were found in the "metallurgist's hoard" from Xibozi (Beijing City), which was also left by the some non-Chinese tribe. As shown in the article, the tripods "ding" from both hoards come from the territory of the states of Jin, Qin or from Central Plain. The cauldrons with ring-shape handles with with groove and vertical protrusion found at Buduun-gol most likely also come from a remote area - from Xinjiang. Ritual vessels in Zhou China could not be traded or exchanged due to their sacred significance, and, according to finds of "Scythian-type" cauldrons in China, the tribes that raided the Zhou did not use cauldrons with ring-shaped handles, but cauldrons with arched handles like had been found in Xibozi. Thus, “ding” tripods from both hoards and cauldrons from Buduun-gol were trofy of war captured as secondary metallurgical raw materials. The assumption is confirmed that the robbery of bronze scrap was one of the main goals of the raids of barbarian tribes that shook Zhou China in the 9th–7th centuries BC. The presence of a large amount of lead as a feature of the composition of ancient Chinese bronze makes it possible to preliminarily trace the distribution of trophy scrap metal. An anomalously high lead content was recorded in some Early Iron Age bronze artifacts from Transbaikalia, as well as in a set of bronze horse equipment of the Arzhan-Mayemir period from the Elekmonar II-1 mound (Altai Republic). The future study of the nature of the secondary use of bronzes in the Northern Eurasia has great prospects in the light of the development of new scientific approaches provided knowledge of the chemical composition of ore sources.

The article presents the results of the analysis, cultural-chronological and ethnic-social interpretation of one of the female burials (barrow No. 32a), excavated at a small necropolis of the Bulan-Koby culture as part of the Choburak-I site. This complex, studied by the archaeological expedition of the Altai State University, is located in the Chemal district of the Altai Republic. The key characteristics of this female burial are a small stone mound with an oval revetment; a shallow, narrow and long pit; the corpse is stretched on the back with the head, oriented to the west, as well as the accompanying burial of a horse at the “legs” of a dead. A considerable inventory was found in the burial, including jewelry, costume details, tools and harness. Analysis of the finds made it possible to determine the dating of this object within the middle – second half of the IV century AD. The recorded features of inhumation with a riding horse demonstrate that this burial belongs to the Dyalyan tradition of the ritual practice of the Bulan-Koby culture nomads. Judging by the qualitative composition of the items, woman, buried in barrow No. 32a, had a high social status in the local community, that left the Choburak-I necropolis.

The new and rare small-celled centric diatom species Pantocsekiella teletskoyensis Genkal et Mitrofanova was recently identified from Cyclotella delicatula Genkal, previously described in the phytoplankton of Lake Teletskoye (Altai, Russia). The identification of P. teletskoyensis was based on the analysis of numerous scanning electron microscopy images since the beginning of a recent phytoplankton study in the lake. The investigation of the species revealed a wider variability of its qualitative morphological features such as valve relief, presence of granules on valve face, rimoportula position, and structure of alveoli. As a result, new data on the morphological variation of this species allowed for the refinement of its diagnosis. In addition, a comparison of the morphological features of P. teletskoyensis and other small-celled centric diatoms of Pantocsekiella and Cyclotella genera found in various water bodies across Europe, Asia, and America showed that P. teletskoyensis is most similar to C. minuscula, that was previously described from the deep-water Lake Ohrid located on the border of Northern Macedonia and Albania. We also conducted numerous measurements of P. teletskoyensis valve diameters, which enabled us to estimate the cell size in the population ranging from 3.02 up to 7.98 µm. The study of teletskoyensis population structure revealed that the group of 4.00-4.99 µm was consistently the most numerous among size groups with a step of 1 µm in all the months studied.

The article presents the results of the study of one of the rather rare groups of findings – bone (antler) parts of whips, revealed during the excavations of the objects of the Rouran period necropolis on the Choburak-I burial site. This complex, studied by the Altai State University expedition, is located in the Chemal district of the Altai Republic. The details of the whips, that make up the most numerous series of such items from the published objects of the Bulan-Koby culture, come from the burials of four men and one teenager (barrows 29a, 30a, 31, 32, 38). The morphological analysis of the finds, their classification and comparison with materials from the sites of North and Central Asia of the early Iron Age and the Middle Ages made it possible to determine the functional characteristics of the objects, among which parts of handles and ends of whips, as well as knobs (end-pieces) of crops were identified. The chronology of different types of items within the first half of the I millennium AD has been specified. It was found that crops with knobs (end-pieces) in the form of massive tubes were material culture indicative elements of the Altai nomads in the second half of the IV – the first half of the V centuries AD. The thesis that whips were a stable marker of the burial set of the male population of the region under consideration in the Great Migration period is confirmed.

The article introduces into scientific discourse cultural, chronological and social interpretation of the warrior burial, investigated during the excavations of the necropolis of the Bulan-Koby Culture of the Choburak-I funerary and ritual complex. The site is located on the right bank of the Katun River, to the south from the Elanda village of Chemal district, Altai Republic. During the research, a burial of a man with a horse and accompanying equipment, including a representative set of weapons (bow, a large number of arrows with iron tips, a sword, two combat knives), a belt decorated with numerous belt fittings, horse equipment, and other items were studied. A detailed description of the finds, including both widespread and very rare types of items, has been carried out. The indicated circle of analogies from the sites of the Bulan-Koby Culture of Altai, as well as complexes excavated in adjacent territories, allows us to determine the date of burial mound №30 to the 4th c. AD. This conclusion is confirmed by the results of radiocarbon dating of a series of objects from the Choburak-I necropolis. The complex of elements of ritual practice indicates that the burial mound belongs to the previously identified Dialyan burial tradition of the Altai population of the end of the 1st mil. BC — first half of the 1st mil. AD. This is suggested by the combination of the following features: an oval mound with a crepidoma, inhumation burial rite, northwest orientation of the deceased, accompanying of the deceased by a horse laid “at the feet” of the person and its orientation with its head in the same direction as the deceased, inner grave construction in the form of a deck. The composition of the grave goods allows us to conclude that the buried man was of a high social status, possibly a warrior who commanded a large unit of professional warriors, and also, possibly, the leader of a local group of pastoralists who left the Choburak-I necropolis. Some peculiar features of the analysed complex reflect the ideological paradigm of the Bulan-Koby population, such as placement into the grave of a broken (disassembled?) bow and a large number of arrows, covering the person’s body at the time of the burial.

The mountains systems of Central Asia are primary targets to study late Pleistocene climate evolution given their location at the crossroads of several atmospheric circulation systems. The timing of glacier extent during this period remains understudied, especially in the Altai Mountains. Here, we have reconstructed glacier extent during three main Late Pleistocene stadials in the upper Kalguty basin (south‐eastern Russian Altai) based on field‐based geomorphic analysis. Additionally, surface exposure dating with 10Be and 26Al at a key site was used to infer a minimum‐limiting age for the outermost well‐preserved Pleistocene frontal moraine system and to date the inception of glacier withdrawal. According to our data, around 20.6 ± 1.8 ka Kalguty Glacier was still 200 m thick at the key site, 10 km upstream of the outermost moraine, and the site was totally deglaciated shortly after 20.4 ± 0.4 ka. These results point to a rapid retreat of this low‐gradient valley glacier after its probably MIS 2 maximum which was prior to 21 ka and probably prior to 22.5 ka. Two other glacier stages have been identified upvalley, characterized by a depression of the equilibrium‐line altitude of 420 and 314 m with respect to the Little Ice Age, thus corresponding to Lateglacial advances. Our glacier reconstruction further provides a geomorphological and geochronological background to put into context archaeological findings in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the analysis and interpretation of the original belt set, found during the study of the only barrow № 3of the burial ground Karban-2 (North Altai). Different elements are revealed in the belt set composition: local (buckles made of antler), Pazyryk and imported (butterfly-like buckles, spike - tool for weaving). The reconstruction of wolf-like predator image, made on fragmentary antler buckles, is represented. The functional and stylistic reconstruction of the complicated multifigured desing of a belt is made. The authors make a conclusion that the decor of the Pazyryk people’s military belts was used to emphasize vital status of the owner and to be a part of barbar luxury, to show the definite mythological concepts of military aristocracy. Karban belt set included the elements with the image of a mythical and realistic wolf-like predator and also of a schematized griffin. It completely corresponds to the modern understanding of the “Pazyryk style”. The presented in the belt decor pictures are ambivalent images, so the understanding the definite meaning of them in the world outlook system of the Pazyryk people is unfortunatelly unavailbale to modern specialists.

The paper is aimed at introducing into the scientific discourse and complex interpretation of the weapon items discovered during excavations of the sites of the Bulan-Koby archaeological culture of the Karban-I necropolis. This site, which comprises a series of burial mounds of the Great Migration Period, was partially investigated by the expedition of Barnaul State Pedagogical Institute in 1989–1990. The complex is located on the left bank of the Katun River, 1.7 km north-west of Kuyus village, in Chemalsky District of the Altai Republic. Weapons were found in five undisturbed male burials of the Xianbei period (mounds № 9, 11, 14, 33, 39). The finds analyzed include long-range and close-range weapons: five compound bows; 14 iron arrowheads; four iron combat knives; and one dagger. Morphological analysis and classification of the objects, as well as their comparison with known artefacts of the last quarter of the 1st mil. BC — the first half of the 1st mil. AD from the sites of Central, Inner, and North Asia became the basis for conclusions concerning the determination of the dating of the products. It has been found that the complex of weapons of the nomads who built the necropolis of the Bulan-Koby Culture at the mouth of the Karban River, was aimed at efficient countering of a lightly protected enemy and was appropriate for light cavalry and infantry. It includes both the already well-known (Xiungny) and new (local) modifications of the offensive weapons. In terms of its diversity and level of development, this set of weaponry was significantly inferior to the military arsenals of the Xiongnu and Xianbei periods, as well as that of the population of the Bulan-Koby Culture of the late 3rd — 5th c. AD. The body of the conclusions made permits it to assume that the considered corpus of weapons reflects the initial stage of the evolution of the armament of the Altai population in the first half of the 1st mil. AD. The published materials expand the source base for the study of warfare of the population of Northern Altai in the Xianbei period. The obtained results of the chronological interpretation of different categories of weapons can be used to refine the periodization of the sites of the Belo-Bom stage (2nd — 1st half of the 4th c. AD) of the Bulan-Koby Culture.

In the present study, we identified the factors affected central obesity prevalence in the adult Altains, Russians and Tuvans permanently residing in the Altai and the Tuva Republics. The data was collected in 2018–2020. The examination program included anthropometrical examination and the genetic testing of females and males, aged 18–35 years. Anthropometrical examination was carried out in accordance with the guidelines accepted in the Research Institute and Museum of Anthropology. Body composition was analyzed by bioelectrical impedance analyzer. The SNPs rs1800592 UCP1, rs660339 UCP2 and rs1800849 UCP3 were assessed. The prevalence analyses of underweight, overweight and general obesity in the groups of female and males were conducted. The anthropometric indices were used to estimate the prevalence of central obesity. General obesity occurred more often in the group of Altai people, whereas in the Tuva people the central obesity is more pronounced. The Altai and Tuva people are alike in the total body measurements, whereas Russians were significantly higher. All studied groups demonstrated the sexual dimorphism of the body composition and waist to hip ratio. No significant differences in waist to height ratio between males and females were identified in the studied groups. No association between genetic variants and the obesity-related traits, which reflect the body fat and its distribution, was revealed. All factors included in the model are able to predict 8 % of the variability of the central obesity-related traits. Ethnic background contributes the most to the variability of the central obesity index.

The following features of the radial growth of Picea obovata L., Larix sibirica L., and Pinus sibirica Du Tour in the icing areas of Altai were analyzed: changes in growth along the trunk height, synchronicity of individual tree-ring chronologies, and sensitivity of generalized chronologies. The dependence of the width of the annual rings of the studied trees using such indicators as the volume and area of icing, the date of gathering of icing and the index of the intensity of icing formation was established. For the analysis, data from the state hydrometeorological station, remote sensing of Earth, literary sources, and materials from our own dendrochronological works were used.

Here we provide the checklist of geometrid moths for Altai Krai compiled based on original data, published records and exploration of the Geometridae collection stored in the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (St Petersburg). The checklist accounts 262 species discovered in Altai Krai in 1897–2023. Among them, nine species collected during our field trips are documented for the region for the first time: Eilicrinia cordiaria (Hübner, 1790), Charissa (Dysgnophos) turfosaria (Wehrli, 1922), Jankowskia bituminaria (Lederer, 1853), Apocheima hispidaria ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775), Macaria (Speranza) halituaria (Guenée, 1858), Scopula dignata (Guenée, [1858]), Cyclophora pendularia (Clerck, 1759), Eupithecia orphnata W.Petersen, 1909 and Eupithecia thalictrata (Püngeler, 1902). Overall, 42 out of 262 geometrid species (i.e. 16%) from 29 genera are known as tree pests enabling to cause significant damage to their host plants in the region and beyond.

The dependence of the width of annual rings of woody plants on the characteristics of the snow cover is analyzed in various natural zones of the West Siberian Plain and adjacent mountainous areas: the maximum depth and water reserve for the entire winter period and for individual months, the dates of disappearing, establishment, and duration of the occurrence of a stable snow cover. It has been shown that the role of the depth and water content of snow cover for the radial growth of trees is differentiated by geographical location. On the plain, it intensifies in the forest-tundra and dry steppe. The response of radial growth to snow cover in the upper and lower parts of the forest belt is often the opposite. Dates of establishment of stable snow cover are more important for tree growth compared to dates of disappearance. Dates of disappearance of stable snow cover are more significant in the southern regions than in the northern ones. The value of the duration of the period with stable snow cover for tree growth is higher in the southern regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local pig breeds are bred by crossing pig breeds, and their carcass traits, technological, chemical and physical compositions differ. The fatty acid composition and content depend on both biological and handling specifity that can be assessed using statistical tools. Backfat composition of three pig breeds was studied: two were local (Livni and Altai), one was commercial (Duroc). The calculations were performed based on the results of fatty acids analysis using small datasets in the software R Studio 2022.07.2 Build 576. Principal component and cluster analysis revealed that the fatty acid composition of the two local pig breeds differed from each other and from the commercial breed, which resulted in clustering of the individual pigs studied into separate groups. Results of cluster analysis demonstrated similarity with PCA, but all breeds formed distinct groups; Altai pigs formed the most tight and distinct group, while Duroc and Livni pigs clustered in more expanded groups with overlapping regions. Non-parametric statistics (PCA and cluster analysis) were applicable to this small dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scapula bone is bestowed with a particular prominence among the various traditional Siberian tribes. Besides its rich symbolic importance, the shoulder blade is connected with shamanistic rituals and in particular, fortunetelling. Scapulimancy (telling fortunes from the scapula) is a tradition with its roots in ancient China. Historical chronicles and ethnographic research on scapulimancy in Central Asia had led archaeologists to assign a ritual meaning to scapulae with regular perforations. This paper is to present the problematic matter of distinction of fortunetelling scapulae in the archaeological material. Another aim is to sum up historical and ethnographic data regarding scapulimancy. A comprehensive approach to this topic was also provided by microscopic observations on the materials from the settlement Chultukov Log-9 (Altai, Russian Federation), dated back to the Xiongnu-Xianbei-Rouran period. Excavations were conducted by the authors of this paper in 2012–2016. Experiments were also conducted in order to distinguish shoulder blades of utilitarian character (tools) from those of ritual use. In general, this issue shows the importance of animal symbolism in crucial matters for pastoral, nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acoustics of the Lower Chuya River area rock art landscape are analyzed through both the exploration of its acoustic properties and the ethnographic information gathered about the region. The results obtained in the acoustics tests undertaken in the area, in particular at the rock art sites of Kalbak-Tash I, Kalbak-Tash II, and Adyr-Kan, are examined. They indicate that the perceived loudness resulting from a natural amplification of sound (strength parameter) and music and speech clarity may have been some of the reasons behind the selection of these locations for rock art production. The ethnographic sources related to the Altai and other Siberian areas are then reviewed as a way of providing an ontological framework for the study of Altaian sonic concepts and behaviors in nature. As the sources indicate, at least for the historical period and presumably earlier, in the prehistoric period, all existing beings are entangled by sound, and they mimic each other in endless ways. We argue that these sites were selected in a non-linear relational ontological framework. It is suggested that the multidisciplinary perspective combining archaeology, physical acoustics, and ethnography has considerable potential for providing a new, richer understanding of rock art landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allium pallasii Murr. var. nitidulum Fisch. et Regel was assigned species status (A. nitidulum Fisch.) in 1853 by Ledebour in “Flora Rossica”, being considered as a synonym of Allium pallasii but with no description. Then in 1887 E. Regel considered it as a variety: “Allium pallasii Murr. ß nitidulum teste Rgl.” and highlighted its morphological differences, referring to a certain number of herbarium specimens. Herbarium specimens ofAllium pallasii Murr. var. nitidulum Fisch. et Regel which have annotations made by F. B. Fischer, K. F. Ledebour, E. L. Regel and A. I. Schrenk are currently kept in the collections of the Herbarium of the Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (LE). The identification of the material that Ledebour and Regel studied gave us the opportunity to choose a lectotype and a series of specimena authentica of this variety.