Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences: Markers of Elite Social Status in the Burials of the Yenisei Kyrgyz in Central Tuva (9th‑10th Centuries)

Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences / Markers of Elite Social Status in the Burials of the Yenisei Kyrgyz in Central Tuva (9th‑10th Centuries)

Issue: Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences. 2025 18 (11)
Authors: Vasil’ev, Arseniy N.
Contact information: Vasil’ev, Arseniy N. : HSE University Moscow, Russian Federation; ORCID: 0000-0001-9590-4835
Keywords: Yenisei Kyrgyz; Central Tuva; elite status markers; power complex; elite burials
Abstract: The research focuses on identifying markers of elite social status in the burials of the Yenisei Kyrgyz in Central Tuva from the 9th to 10th centuries. By analyzing 121 objects from 10 sites located in the most densely populated area of the Yenisei Kyrgyz territory, criteria for social differentiation were established through the identification of high social status markers. Key markers of elite status include the correlation between mound diameter and the number of prestigious grave goods, the higher frequency of iron belt sets in elite burials, and the association of arrowheads quantity with high social rank. These features highlight the cultural specificity of the Kyrgyz while demonstrating their affinity with ancient Turkic concepts of a “power complex.” The research contributes to reconstructing the social structure of Kyrgyz society by providing a set of markers for further quantitative study of burial complexes of this culture in the Sayan-Altai region
Pages: 2259–2270
EDN: RRGAZG
Paper at repository of SibFU: https://elib.sfu-kras.ru/handle/2311/157902