PAZYRYK BURIALS Meaning and
Definition
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Pazyryk burials refer to a series of ancient burial sites found in the Altai Mountains of Siberia, specifically in the Pazyryk Valley in southern Russia. Dating back to the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, these burials belong to the nomadic Pazyryk culture, known for their impressive artistic and craftsmanship skills.
The Pazyryk burials are notable for their remarkable preservation, owing to the cold and dry conditions of the Altai region. These burial mounds, or kurgans, were constructed using logs and covered with layers of stones and earth, providing a protective environment for the contents within. As a result, numerous artifacts and human remains have been incredibly well-preserved, offering valuable insights into the ancient Pazyryk way of life.
These burials exhibit a wide range of cultural and artistic elements, showcasing the complex beliefs and traditions of the Pazyryk people. Among the notable findings are intricately woven textiles, ornate horse harnesses, elaborately decorated wooden furniture, and exquisitely crafted metalwork. The tombs also contain the remains of horses, indicating their importance in the Pazyryk culture, likely due to their association with nomadic life and warfare.
The Pazyryk burials have greatly contributed to archaeological understanding of the ancient Scythian cultures that inhabited the region. They have provided valuable insights into their material culture, social hierarchies, and burial practices. The exceptional preservation of these sites has made them a significant source of knowledge regarding ancient Central Asian nomadic civilizations, shedding light on their daily life, beliefs, and artistic achievements.
Etymology of PAZYRYK BURIALS
The term "Pazyryk burials" refers to a specific archaeological site located in the Altai Mountains of Siberia, Russia. The word "Pazyryk" is derived from the name of the ancient nomadic people who inhabited the area during the Iron Age, known as the Pazyryk culture.
The Pazyryk culture was named after the Pazyryk Valley where the burial sites were discovered. The term "Pazyryk" is believed to have originated from the word "pazirak", which was used in the language of the indigenous Altai people and means "wanderer" or "nomad". It is thought that this word was eventually borrowed by neighboring cultures and adapted into "Pazyryk".
