Research Information System
Theory and Practice of Archaeological Research, vol.37, no.2, pp.153-168, 2025 (Scopus)
This article explores the interpretation of bone “skates” discovered during archaeological excavations in the medieval city of Saraichik, located in the Atyrau region of Kazakhstan. The author examines bone artifacts, believed to have been used as runners for vehicles, and analyzes their morphological and traceological characteristics. The study is based on materials collected in 2023 and employs traceological methods. The results reveal that some objects exhibit significant wear on one side, suggesting they were used as runners, while others show traces of fish oil absorption, possibly indicating their use in fishing. The article also explores various hypotheses regarding the functional purpose of these artifacts, including their similarity to bone sinkers used by Hungarian fishermen. This research makes an important contribution to understanding the material culture and technology of the medieval city of Saraichik.