Pages: 203-223 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.55086/sp263203223

The article explores the typology of straight rod-shaped, two-hole cheek-pieces used by nomads in the Southern Urals in the second half of the 6th—4th centuries BC. Interest in this topic comes from the growing number of these horse bridle parts found in burials of the region’s pastoral communities. Around 200 pieces are currently published, but the typology developed by K. F. Smirnov in 1961, based on fewer finds, does not cover all variations. The study examines 112 specimens, classifying them into 18 types based on material, overall shape, and decorative style. Mapping their discovery sites reveals how these types were distributed across the Southern Ural steppes.

Keywords: Early Iron Age, Southern Urals, burial complexes, early nomads, horse equipment, cheekpieces, typology, chronology

Information about author:

Vladimir Myshkin (Samara, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Samara State University of Social Sciences and Education. M. Gorky St., 65/67, Samara, 443099, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0003-3489-6776