TO THE ISSUE OF STONE MOUNDS IN PRIMORYE

The study of a new archaeological site — the Rechitsa 1 burial ground — has made it possible to approach the issue related to the interpretation of stone mounds in Primorye. More than 1,000 burials structured as stone masonry of various shapes and sizes resembling crypts made of flat stones were found on a separate hill. The study traced the stages of masonry construction with the identification of burial chambers and the sequence of mound formation. It was found that at first large stones were used to from the walls of burial chamber, into which the ashes of the deceased were placed, then it was covered with smaller stones and finally a mound embankment was formed. It was established that some of the mounds were surrounded by stone walls up to 0.5—0.7 m high and up to 1.5 m wide. The authors found that the site is a medieval burial ground with an area of about 29 hectares. Topographic survey made it possible to identify the central and peripheral zones of the object. 22 burials were investigated. The burial site with its characteristic features was determined as cremation of the deceased at a remote location with further placement of the ashes in the grave. Single mounds, group burials and platform burials were identified there. The site dates from the Jurchen period (12th—13th centuries AD).

Far East, Primorye, Rechitsa 1 burial ground, stone mounds, burial structures, burial rite, cremation, Jurchens, 12th—13th centuries AD