Ankle Bones from the Catacomb Burials of the Second Half of VII - First Half of X с. of the Necropolis Near Verkhnii Saltiv Village

Abstract

 In the article there are examined 332 ankle bones, which were found in 49 burial complexes of the catacomb necropolis in the village Verkhnii Saltiv (Upper Saltiv), provided by the expeditions of Kharkiv Historical Museum named after N.F. Sumtsov in 1984-2018. The collection contains of almost all types and kinds of anklebones. Most artifacts are published for the first time. The collection has five cues. These ankle bones are distinguished from other by holes drilled in them, filled with lead. Ankle bones without any traces of additional processing were encountered in 32 burial complexes (a total of 180 pieces). This group of ankle bones is supplemented with bones, in which there are visible traces of insignificant underflow from one or two sides (44 pieces). The rest of the ankle bones are mainly of two types: ankle bones with traces of undercuts and with a through-hole (26 pieces); ankle bones without undercuts with a through-hole (50 pieces). On three ankle bones with traces of undercuts there are unfinished holes for hanging. On seven ankle bones with hanging holes, graffiti were fixed, which could be applied on ankle bones, both when they were used for the game, and after they were turned into an amulet pendant. In general, graffiti was revealed on 21 ankle bones from 9 burial complexes. Graffiti is represented by signs that have the broadest analogies among the signs originating from the monuments of different peoples of Eurasia. The material studied illustrates the existence of a variety of knockout games, throw-ins, and luck games among the Alanian population of Verkhnii Saltiv. Anklebones with drilled holes were used as amulets. The properties of such amulets were enhanced by applying graffiti on them. Anklebones with graffiti could also be used for fortune telling.