A complex of ritual objects from the elite female burial in Western Kazakhstan

The paper discusses in detail the items from the female burial of mound 6, Taksai-1 burial site, located in the West Kazakhstan Region, Terektinsky District, near the village Dolinnoe. A complex architectural gravestone structure, an accompanying rite of burial with the use of fire, the presence of rich clothing with various decorations, a complex of specific objects found in the pit, testify to the special status of the buried. All archaeological materials from the central pit of mound 6 performed a certain role in the life of the early nomads, composing a complex of ritual things for performing special rites. The functional significance of all the artifacts identified in the grave emphasizes the relation of the buried to the priestly class. In scientific literature there is no consensus about the existence of the priesthood as a profession in ancient times, but the early nomads revered the cult of a woman – the ancestor, and the priestesses were guides, keepers of the fire, the Sun, revered the goddess responsible for fertility. The burials of rich priestesses are distinguished by their special pomp of funeral ritual, the presence of gold jewelry and the individual composition of the inventory. All these characteristics are traced in mound 6 of Taksai-1 burial, it is a cult monument confirming the existence of a special priestly status in a social organization of the nomadic society.