THE FEMALE SHAMAN BURIALS IN SULA RIVER REGION

Abstract

The study of kurgans in the Sula River basin reveals the details of the burial ritual as well as the material culture. Specifically, an interesting information is provided by the material from the kurgan 4 near Vovkivtsi village (Sumy region). Scholars believe this kurgan to be a family crypt, meaning that all of the buried from the main burial (no. 1) as well as in additional ones (nos. 2—4) are related. Except the burial 4, all the rest were ruined therefore it is impossible to recreate the picture of the performed rituals. Probably the kurgan was built over the burial 1, later — crypts 3 and 4, the grave 2 (in the mound) being the last. Most of the items suitable for studying both burial ritual and costume of the region had been found in the grave 4. Two women could have been buried simultaneously although the construction of the grave may indicate a gap between the funerals. During the funeral of women the flame could have been kindled above the wooden construction, according to the ritual: it is indicated by the remains above the grave.

The buried females laid in the western and eastern parts of the crypt, with their heads directed to the South. Their clothes possess decorative elements which have ethnically local features. Those being earrings with «upside down cone» shape (5 items), bronze leg bracelets, large pins. Each of the buried had a jewelry of several categories. The Scythian from the eastern part had: «upside down» earrings, necklace of gems, iron bracelets with golden plates, and bronze leg bracelets. The female from the western part had: «upside down cone» and boat-shaped earrings; a necklace of golden round and figurine beads; a lunar-shaped pendant; bronze leg bracelets. All of the decorative elements connected to the symbols of the fertility gods. The sacred character of the burial is further supported by such items as earrings between skulls and the mirror. The buried held high place in the hierarchy. It is possible that they were the wives of the Scythian man, for whom the kurgan was build. The findings near the eastern wall of the grave call for special attention: bronze cone-shaped item with 26 holes on its bottom. Presumably 26 bells, found nearby, were connected to the cone via these holes. This could be the tool for «sound» support of the burial, which correlates with shaman rituals.