Kyiv-Mohyla Archaeological Journal

Editorial

Oleh Bilynskyi — 2025-10-31

Editorial

Technological Analysis of Pottery of the Bondarykha II Settlement

Ihor Butskyi — 2025-10-31

The Bondarykha settlement is located 4–5 km southwest of the village of Dibrova, Izium district, Kharkiv region. This settlement is, in fact, the type-site of the Bondarykha culture of the Late Bronze Age.
The study of the compositions of ceramic paste was carried out by microscopic analysis of ceramic fractures and comparison with reference samples with known temper concentrations. Traces of vessel-forming techniques and surface smoothing were visibly preserved on the surface and ancient pottery breaks. Three distinct recipes for pottery paste were recorded, which relate to the Bondarykha horizon, filling the pit of the dwelling and its floor.
In some samples correspoding to each paste recipe, it is possible to trace the method of vessel formation — in coils or bundles of 10–20 mm in diameter.
The bases, where visible, are rectangular or rounded in cross-section and lack defined edges. It is equally common for the base of the walls to be formed from the edges of the base, and for the base of the walls to be joined by coiling techniques. The vessel bottoms are often bilayered or exhibit wavy fractures, the latter can be interpreted as the formation of such bases by spiral coiling of clay coild, the two-layeredness can be explained by careful integration of the vessel body with the base.
Although the collection of pottery from the Bondarykha II settlement shows some variation in paste recipes, even within the same dwelling, on the one hand. On the other hand, the methods of vessel formation remain fairly consistent and probably reflect a single, yet flexible, ceramic tradition. The variation in recipes for pastes may indicate that pottery with different pastes was likely made by different artisans, who had different specific requirements for paste properties. The presence of samples with atypical ceramic production methods and unusual additives or paste recipes may indicate imported ceramics (used either as containers for traded goods or as trade items themselves) between the inhabitants of the settlement and other populations that may have had different ceramic traditions or may be locally produced vessels with specialized functions.

New Finds of Rus’ Era Stamps from Poltava

Danilo Zapara — 2025-10-31

Archaeological research conducted over recent decades in the city of Poltava has expanded the body of sources for studying pottery craftsmanship, both within the city and in the broader Forest-Steppe Left Bank region of the Dnipro. Among the notable Rus’ period finds is pottery bearing distinctive marks on the bases, known as potter’s stamps. This tradition of marking is associated with the use of a manually operated potter’s wheel, which began in the 9th century, before the introduction of the fast-rotating potter’s wheel.
Pottery stamps have drawn scholarly attention since the 19th century, who sought to determine their morphology, semantic purpose, and the development of a typology of the marks. The first attempts to classify potter’s stamps were made by M. P. Kuchera (based on materials from the Plisnesk archaeological site) and V. D. Gupalo (based on materials from the Carpathians and Western Volhynia). Taking previous typologies and the specific features of the Poltava materials into account, a unique typology was developed, identifying seven main types of stamps based on common visual characteristics.
The 2020 excavations expanded the stamp collection in accordance with the aforementioned typology. Despite the extensive research, the precise function of the potter’s stamps remains unclear. An analysis of their symbolism allows for hypotheses regarding both practical and religious-symbolic purposes. The stamps could have served as marks of craftsmen, indicators of quality, or protective talismans.
Therefore, the aim of this study was to review the new finds of potter’s stamps, analyse their imagery, and determine their typological classification according to the typology that will be detailed in the main body of the work.
The acquired materials expand the source base for studying the archaeology of Poltava and the entire Dnipro Forest-Steppe Left Bank region, opening up new opportunities for analysing medieval pottery art and the cultural traditions of the region.

On the Presence of Egyptian Imports in Olbia at Hellenistic Times

Viktoriia Kotenko — 2025-10-31

This article examines the main categories of potential Egyptian imports to the Northern Black Sea region in the Hellenistic period. Different opinions on the nature of these things are collected and presented, and the historiography of contacts between Ptolemaic rulers and Pontic centres is analysed on the basis of archaeological sources. It is emphasized that certain economic contacts, whether direct or indirect, between Olbia and Alexandria did take place, given the representativeness of the finds and despite their limited quantity.
The geopolitical changes on the map of Ancient Greece in Hellenistic times had a significant impact on the Northern Black Sea region. Imports from Alexandria to Olbia, whether direct or indirect, are closely intertwined in historiography with the study of Hellenistic art. In the 3rd century BCE, and possibly slightly later, there were certain economic contacts between these centres, evidenced by various categories of artefacts. In general, the Egyptian imports to Olbia have distinctive features. According to the known materials, it is dominated by items associated with cultic practices of the Greeks of the Hellenistic period (household items of mass consumption are practically unknown). Among these artefacts, exclusive items are the most common, suggesting that these items were likely expensive. This, in turn, raises the question of the material culture of Olbia’s wealthy social stratum. Hellenistic Egypt certainly influenced the cultural sphere of life not only in the Mediterranean, but also in more distant regions, including the Northern Black Sea area. It is possible that this could have been due to the spread of Egyptian cults as part of Ptolemaic foreign policy. These findings demonstrate the cultural integration of the region into the orbit of Alexander the Greatʼs empire.

Reproduction of the Baking Process in Scythian Era Oven

Liubava Pototska — 2025-10-31

The article describes an experimental reconstruction of the full cycle of bread production in the Scythian period. The illustrative experiment took place during a field trip of the Student Archaeological Society to Krylos. The purpose of the experiment was to make authentic loaves resembling clay miniatures of votive models representing “bread” from the Scythian period.
The experimental process had three stages, which consisted of building a clay oven, firing it, and baking the loaves. According to archaeological sources, an authentic oven with a horseshoe-shaped base and two holes for firewood and for smoke removal was built using a mixture of clay, water, straw and branches for the frame. A stone grain grinder, the elements of which were found in the territory of the experiment, was created in order to be used during the process.
The process of grinding flour was carried out using found tools, taking 110 minutes to grind 500 grams of grain. A sourdough starter for bread was recreated: flour had been mixed with water for fermentation, which lasted about two days. Dough was kneaded using the extracted flour. The processes were detailed, adjustments were made to the understanding of flour processing. The loaves were shaped in the likeness of votive models at different stages of oven heating.
The experiment showed that creating finished bread requires not only making the sourdough starter but also spending about two hours creating flour and building an oven. These estimates apply assuming two individuals are working and there are necessary materials in the vicinity.
Thus, the study documented the amount of time spent on all stages of the experiment and estimated the manpower required for effective production, as well as the required amount of material resources needed at each stage of production.
During the experiment, we obtained loaves that were comparable in taste to modern craft bread. Visually, the votive models were almost identical to the real loaves obtained during the experiment. Judging by the scientific literature and theoretical research on the form and taste of these flour products, we can conclude that the experiment confirmed the relevance of earlier hypotheses, while allowing for certain refinements made to the details of the process.

The “Karasuk” Knives in Ukraine

Danylo Klochko — 2025-10-31

The article presents the Ukrainian finds of knives that originate in the Karasuk culture area. They are divided into two distinct types in respect to their form: the straight ones and the curved ones. Each knife is unique, having either one or two sharp blade sides, a pointed or rounded edge, and a distinct separation between the handle and the blade — or none at all. The closest analogies of these items are provided as well, coming from the Don and Volga river regions, Central Asia (mainly various regions of Kazakhstan) and China. The name “Karasuk knives” is considered artificial and is used in a generalizing manner, as such items are found across a vast territory, far beyond the traditional Karasuk area. One of the Ukrainian finds is completely unique for the Karasuk material complex, as it is not made solely of bronze, but once had an iron blade. The discussion regarding the use of the “Karasuk” knives (mainly whether they could have been used as weapons) is also addressed, as well as the obvious differences between knives and daggers in the Karasuk culture. Since this culture’s material complex includes a rich collection of daggers and swords, it is unlikely that the usage of knives as weapons was widespread among those people. Further evidence for this may be the complete absence of knife depictions on stone stelae, contrasting with other kinds of nomadic weaponry. According to the available dating, several types and variants of the knives continued to coexist for a long period of time. The differences in forms may be an indication that the knives had different purposes for those using them. The presence of such items in Ukraine is further evidence of contact between Eurasian nomads and the North Pontic region at the end of the Bronze Age and the beginning of the Early Iron Age.

Ornamentation of Early Iron Age Ceramics from the Voloshkove-6 (Horby) Site

Andriy Prystupa — 2025-10-31

This article presents finds of Early Iron Age ceramics from the rescue excavations at Voloshkove-6 (Horby), located on the Middle Dnister. Particular attention is paid to the ornamentation of ceramics, which is a key chronological indicator of this period. The majority of kitchen and tableware ceramics are identified as belonging to the Chornolissia culture (9th century BC) and the Zhabotyn stage (8th century BC). A number of imports from the cultures of the Carpathian-Podunavian region is also considered. General conclusions about the site are presented.
The most common types of ornamentation on kitchen pots are through-punctures, rolled appliqués, and various types of plastic decorations: protrusions and bulges. The ornamentation of bowls consists of various types of nozzles on the “rim of the bowl” and double or triple stickers. The geometric ornamentation, consisting of small stamps, stands apart. The site also contains cult vessels — ladless with pointed bases. They are decorated with various types of geometric ornaments, the main ones being the “ladder” and “triangle” motifs.
A significant number of imports from the Basarabi, Babadag, Insula-Banului (?), and Kozia-Saharna cultures were found as well. These cultures are located in the Carpathian-Danube region and the Northern Balkans. The finds include fragments of well-made tableware, almost always decorated with “pseudo-lace” ornaments. This tableware was introduced through active trade and exchange networks and was quite valuable to the local population of that time.
Our study emphasizes the significance of Voloshkove-6 as one of the few investigated sites of the Final Bronze Age — Early Iron Age in the region. In the future, there are plans to introduce the site’s materials into wider scientific circulation.

The History of the Study of Ancient Ceramic Imports from Settlement Monuments on the Right Bank of the Middle Dnipro in the 7th–5th Centuries BC

Andrii Svyrydov — 2025-10-31

The article analyses the historiography and research history of Greek imported ceramics from settlements and hillforts of the Middle Dnipro region. It is determined that the initial stage of studying such contacts was based primarily on the investigation of pre-colonial contacts. Researchers attempted to investigate the processes of Greek colonisation. Subsequently, efforts were made to determine the onset of colonization and to characterise pre-colonial interactions. This first period ended with the publication of N. Onayko’s synthesizing works. The researcher’s contribution and conceptual framework are analysed. The key works of the second half of the 20th century are outlined, and their contribution to the disclosure of the topic under study is indicated. In particular, the stage after the publication of N. Onayko’s works can be called the stage of accumulation of new material. Researchers worked with early Scythian sites, accumulating new materials. For example, S. Bessonova and S. Skoryi emphasise the importance of the Motronynske sites, providing a complete list of early Greek imports and drawing important conclusions about the earliest phase of Greek-Barbarian relations. The article also mentions the painted oinochoi described in the work by Y. Boltryk and O. Fialko “The Scythian Attack on the Trakhtemyrivske sites”. The authors highlight the significance and uniqueness of this vessel in the context of the Greek-Barbarian trade. It is emphasised that the early stage of Greek-Barbarian relations, namely the 7th–6th centuries BC, was limited in scale and somewhat chaotic, trade was conducted exclusively in expensive goods, and craft production had not yet become widespread. Importantly, there is no comprehensive modern catalogue of all known finds of ancient ceramic imports at the sites of this region.

From Ukraine to the Island of Sardinia (Once Again on the “Sea Peoples”)

Victor Klochko — 2025-10-31

The article is dedicated to the mysterious resemblance between bronze warrior figurines (the bronzetti) from the island of Sardinia and Ukrainian finds from the Late Bronze Age. The explanation of this phenomenon is provided within the context of the participation of inhabitants of southern Ukraine in the “Sea Peoples” activity in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as trade contacts between the regions.
I began using the bronzetti from the island of Sardinia in my initial works on the relations between the inhabitants of the North Pontic region and the “Sea Peoples” of the Eastern Mediterranean. The analogy was viewed skeptically for a large duration of time, along with the very concept of people of Noua-Sabatynivka participating in the incursions to the Eastern Mediterranean. The situation changed drastically after the discovery of bronze warrior figurines near the Luzhany village in the Chernivtsi region and the city of Odesa. Said figurines are similar to the bronzetti, which come from the island of Sardinia.
As I have written before, the peculiar connection between Sardinia and North-Western Pontic region is most likely the result of the small group of “Sea Peoples” migrating to this island after being dismissed from a paid service in the Egyptian army during the Libyan war of Ramesses III. They are the ones who brought to the island the tradition of the bronzetti, bearing details of weaponry common among the southern Ukrainian cultures of Late Bronze Age. The Levantine tradition of bronze miniatures could have come to southern Ukraine as early as second millennia BC due to trade connections. Within the Noua-Sabatynivka culture, this tradition was adapted, and brought to the Mediterranean during the “Sea Peoples” incursion. In my opinion, such an anabasis of this group of people from southern Ukraine is worthy of further study.

Correlations Between Weapon Placement in Burials of the Donetsk-Don Catacomb Culture and Iconographic Sources of the Bronze Age

Andrii Dubiaha — 2025-10-31

The burials of the Catacomb cultural circle stand out from those of other Bronze Age cultures due to the “richness” of their grave goods. This reflects stable and complex beliefs about the afterlife. However, the significance of the spatial placement of these items remains unclear, as clear patterns are difficult to identify. Weapons are a rare component of grave inventories, suggesting that their placement followed specific customs.
Bronze Age anthropomorphic stelae serve as a unique and valuable source for understanding ancient societies, underscoring the relevance of this study. This article explores the spatial correlation between depictions of weapons on anthropomorphic stelae and their occurrence in the burials of the Donetsk-Don variant of the Catacomb culture. The aim is to assess the significance of weapon placement in funerary practices.
Given that anthropomorphic stelae are generally interpreted as representations of living individuals, and that a correlation has been identified between the positioning of weapons on stelae and in graves, it can be inferred that weapons were usually placed where they were worn or used in life. Particular attention is paid to depictions of weapons in “atypical” positions on the stelae, especially in a horizontal position at chest level, where practical use seems unlikely. These cases are primarily associated with valuable weapons, such as bows.
Interestingly, similar placements are found in burials, where bows are sometimes positioned horizontally above the head. While the design of stelae does not permit depictions above the head, this spatial symbolism could be fully realised in the ritual context of burial. Such cases may reflect a practice in which the bow, as a rare and valuable weapon, was offered to the gods as a votive gift from the deceased warrior.