BURIAL ASSEMBLAGES OF THE BRONZE AND THE EARLY IRON AGES FROM THE USPENSKIY I AND USPENSKIY II KURGAN CEMETERIES IN THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF THE STAVROPOL REGION

The paper publishes materials of the Bronze Age and Early Iron Age from two burial grounds, namely, Uspenskiy I and Uspenskiy II (Novoaleksandrovsk district of the Stavropol region). Two assemblages are dated to the Early Catacomb period (the second quarter of 3rd mill. BC) whereas five assemblages are dated to the Late Catacomb period (third quarter of 3rd mill. BC), one assemblage is attributed to the Sarmatian culture (2nd - 1st century BC). Reliable dating of two more burials is not possible. A series of Late Catacomb assemblages that combine elements of the Eastern Manych, Baturin and Suvorovskaya traditions explained by the location of the excavated cemeteries in the contact zone between these three cultures is of the greatest interest. While being rather typical for its cultural circle, the Sarmatian grave is notable for presence of a rare type of a ritual vessel - incense-burner.