Issledovaniia mavzoleia Berdykozha-Batyra: arkheologiia, antropologiia, genetika

Abstract

Studies of the Berdykozha Batyr Mausoleum were conducted in the course of archaeological and ethnographic research in Saryarka, Kazakhstan. Among the aspects examined were the particularities of the construction, ritual, and burial type; the dating of the mausoleum was done. The examination of osseous remains led to the reconstruction of Berdykozha Batyr’s body length, physical development, and nutrition. The sculptural and graphic reconstruction of the head was accomplished through the study and analysis of the skull. The paleopathological examination threw light on the death circumstances and injury of the right shin. The complex study showed Berdykozha Batyr as a manly figure with broad shoulders, apparently having good physical health and having gone through good physical training. The character of injuries suggests that Batyr must have died in a fight, holding a weapon in his hand. Despite the violent circumstances of his death, the body was preserved and buried in accordance with the proper ritual.