A woman buried in Russia in the Early Neolithic era

The Eneolithic Lokomotiv culture is a significant archaeological phenomenon located in the region of Siberia, specifically near the Angara River and the city of Irkutsk in modern-day Russia. This culture is part of the broader Eneolithic period, which is often referred to as the Copper Age, bridging the gap between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age. The Lokomotiv culture represents a key phase in the development of early societies in this region, offering valuable insights into the lifestyles, technologies, and social structures of these prehistoric peoples.
Timeframe and Geography
The Eneolithic period in which the Lokomotiv culture thrived is generally dated between the 4th and 3rd millennia BCE. The geographical setting of the Lokomotiv culture includes the forest-steppe zones of the Eastern Siberia, particularly around the areas flanking the Angara River. This location provided a mix of resources, from forested areas rich in game to rivers abundant with fish, which supported the subsistence strategies of the community.
Archaeological Discoveries
The site known as Lokomotiv is one of the most prominent and best-studied associated with this culture. Discovered in the mid-20th century, this site yielded an extensive array of artifacts, including pottery, tools, and burial sites. These discoveries have been instrumental in constructing a picture of life during this period.
Burials: The Lokomotiv site is renowned for its burial complex, which includes several kurgans (burial mounds). These burials provide critical information about the social and spiritual aspects of the culture. The graves often contain grave goods, such as tools, pottery, and ornaments, suggesting a belief in an afterlife and illustrating social stratification within the community.
Pottery: The pottery from this culture is characterized by its simple, utilitarian forms, often decorated with cord-impressed designs. These ceramics are essential for dating the site and understanding the cultural influences interacting with the Lokomotiv community.
Tools and Artifacts: Stone and bone tools found at Lokomotiv indicate a society skilled in hunting, fishing, and gathering. The presence of copper artifacts, although not abundant, signifies the transition into the use of metal and the technological advancements of the Eneolithic period.
Economy and Subsistence
The Lokomotiv culture primarily engaged in a mixed economy that included hunting, fishing, and foraging. The diverse resources of the Siberian taiga and river systems would have provided ample opportunities for sustenance. The archaeological record suggests the predominance of hunting and fishing, with animals like deer, elk, and various fish species being central to their diet.
Cultural and Social Structure
The social structure of the Lokomotiv culture, as inferred from burial practices, appears to have been complex, possibly with a hierarchy or differing social statuses. The differentiation in grave goods points to varying statuses among individuals, suggesting that leaders or individuals with specific roles may have held greater importance within the community.
Proto-Indo-European Connections
While it is challenging to draw direct links to Proto-Indo-European populations, the Lokomotiv culture is sometimes discussed within broader theories regarding the movements and interactions of prehistoric Eurasian populations. Some researchers attempt to trace cultural or technological exchanges across vast distances that might have connected Siberian groups with those migrating across the steppe regions, contributing to the diffusion of certain cultural traits that are later considered Proto-Indo-European.
Significance
The significance of the Lokomotiv culture lies in its position within the cultural and technological evolution of prehistoric Siberia. It reflects an emergent social complexity and interaction with broader technological trends, such as metal use. The Lokomotiv culture provides an essential piece in the puzzle of understanding the prehistoric populations of Siberia and their links to larger prehistoric migrations and cultural transformations across Eurasia.
In summary, the Eneolithic Lokomotiv culture offers a fascinating glimpse into a prehistoric society on the cusp of significant technological and social change. Its archaeological remains help illustrate the life, economy, and beliefs of a people who lived several millennia ago in the challenging yet resource-rich landscapes of Siberia.
Sample ID | Culture/Period | Date | Location | Action |
---|---|---|---|---|
Altais1 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Altais2 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Bashkirs2 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Bashkirs1 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Bashkirs3 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Buryats1 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Buryats2 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Dungan1 | Modern Kyrgyzstan | 2000 CE | , Kyrgyzstan | View |
Dungan2 | Modern Kyrgyzstan | 2000 CE | , Kyrgyzstan | View |
Hazaras1 | Modern Pakistan | 2000 CE | , Pakistan | View |
Hazaras2 | Modern Pakistan | 2000 CE | , Pakistan | View |
Hazaras3 | Modern Pakistan | 2000 CE | , Pakistan | View |
Kalmyks1 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Kalmyks2 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Karakalpaks1 | Modern Uzbekistan | 2000 CE | , Uzbekistan | View |
Karakalpaks2 | Modern Uzbekistan | 2000 CE | , Uzbekistan | View |
Karakalpaks3 | Modern Uzbekistan | 2000 CE | , Uzbekistan | View |
Kazakhs2 | Modern Kazakhstan | 2000 CE | , Kazakhstan | View |
Kazakhs3 | Modern Kazakhstan | 2000 CE | , Kazakhstan | View |
Kazkahs1 | Modern Kazakhstan | 2000 CE | , Kazakhstan | View |
Kyrgyz1 | Modern Kyrgyzstan | 2000 CE | , Kyrgyzstan | View |
Kyrgyz2 | Modern Kyrgyzstan | 2000 CE | , Kyrgyzstan | View |
Tajiks2 | Modern Tajikistan | 2000 CE | , Tajikistan | View |
Tajiks1 | Modern Tajikistan | 2000 CE | , Tajikistan | View |
Tajiks3 | Modern Tajikistan | 2000 CE | , Tajikistan | View |
IrtyshBarabinskTatars1 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
IrtyshBarabinskTatars2 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
TomskTatars1 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
TomskTatars2 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
VolgaTatars1 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
VolgaTatars2 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Teleuts1 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Teleuts2 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Turkmens1 | Modern Turkmenistan | 2000 CE | , Turkmenistan | View |
Turkmens2 | Modern Turkmenistan | 2000 CE | , Turkmenistan | View |
Uyghurs1 | Modern China | 2000 CE | , China | View |
Uyghurs2 | Modern China | 2000 CE | , China | View |
Uyghurs3 | Modern China | 2000 CE | , China | View |
Uzbeks1 | Modern Uzbekistan | 2000 CE | , Uzbekistan | View |
Uzbeks2 | Modern Uzbekistan | 2000 CE | , Uzbekistan | View |
Uzbeks3 | Modern Uzbekistan | 2000 CE | , Uzbekistan | View |
BOT14 | Eneolithic Kazakhstan | 3517 BCE | Botai, Kazakhstan | View |
DA249 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5987 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
I3427 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2459 BCE | Okunev Ulus, Russia | View |
DA246 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5884 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
RISE674 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2284 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View |
DA253 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5371 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
DA247 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5837 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
I8743 | Hunter-Gatherer Sidelkino, Russia | 9649 BCE | Sidelkino, Russia | View |
DA252 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5473 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
DA248 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5762 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
DA245 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 6069 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
RISE683 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2138 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View |
DA342 | Late Neolithic Ust-Ida, Russia | 3793 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View |
RISE680 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2900 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View |
RISE685 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2900 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View |
DA341 | Eneolithic Lokomotiv, Russia | 5714 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View |
DA337 | Early Bronze Age Shamanka, Russia | 2461 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
DA362 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5362 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
RISE672 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2900 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View |
DA345 | Late Neolithic Ust-Ida, Russia | 3637 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View |
RISE516 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2201 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View |
DA250 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5524 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
DA358 | Early Bronze Age Kurma, Russia | 2883 BCE | Kurma XI, Russia | View |
RISE718 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2573 BCE | Sayan Mountain. Minusinskaya Intermountain Basin. Syda 5, Russia | View |
RISE670 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2191 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View |
DA359 | Eneolithic Lokomotiv, Russia | 5713 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View |
DA336 | Early Bronze Age Shamanka, Russia | 2500 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
RISE719 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2900 BCE | Sayan Mountain. Minusinskaya Intermountain Basin. Syda 5, Russia | View |
RISE515 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2343 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View |
DA251 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5471 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
RISE684 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2463 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View |
RISE675 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2857 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View |
DA340 | Eneolithic Lokomotiv, Russia | 5217 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View |
DA334 | Early Bronze Age Shamanka, Russia | 2284 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
RISE681 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2900 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View |
DA335 | Early Bronze Age Shamanka, Russia | 2500 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
I3426 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2291 BCE | Okunev Ulus, Russia | View |
DA338 | Early Bronze Age Shamanka, Russia | 2500 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
DA357 | Eneolithic Lokomotiv, Russia | 5981 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View |
DA355 | Late Neolithic Ust-Ida, Russia | 3644 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View |
RISE671 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2900 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View |
DA339 | Early Bronze Age Shamanka, Russia | 2200 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
DA360 | Early Bronze Age Kurma, Russia | 2878 BCE | Kurma XI, Russia | View |
RISE677 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2659 BCE | Uybat III, Russia | View |
RISE667 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2900 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View |
DA344 | Late Neolithic Ust-Ida, Russia | 3945 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View |
DA354 | Early Bronze Age Kurma, Russia | 2856 BCE | Kurma XI, Russia | View |
RISE673 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2900 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View |
BOT15 | Eneolithic Kazakhstan | 3345 BCE | Botai, Kazakhstan | View |
EBA1 | Early Middle Bronze Age Kazakhstan | 2286 BCE | Gregorievka 2, Kazakhstan | View |
EBA2 | Early Middle Bronze Age Kazakhstan | 2622 BCE | Sjolpan 4, Kazakhstan | View |
Yamnaya | Early Bronze Age Yamnaya Culture, Kazakhstan | 3016 BCE | Karagash, Kazakhstan | View |
MA2205 | Assyrian Colony Period in Turkey | 2000 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
MA2206 | Assyrian Colony Period in Turkey | 2000 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
MA2208 | Assyrian Colony Period in Turkey | 2000 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
MA2213 | Early Bronze Age II Turkey | 2750 BCE | Ovaören, Turkey | View |
MA2210 | Early Bronze Age II Turkey | 2750 BCE | Ovaören, Turkey | View |
MA2212 | Early Bronze Age II Turkey | 2750 BCE | Ovaören, Turkey | View |
MA2198 | Hellenistic Turkey | 335 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
MA2197 | Hellenistic Turkey | 335 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
MA2200 | Old Hittite Period Turkey | 1750 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
MA2203 | Old Hittite Period Turkey | 1750 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
MA2195 | Ottoman Turkey | 1400 CE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
MA2196 | Ottoman Turkey | 1400 CE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
DA379 | Chalcolithic Namazga, Turkmenistan | 3482 BCE | Kara-Depe, Turkmenistan | View |
DA383 | Chalcolithic Namazga, Turkmenistan | 3400 BCE | Takhirbai 3, Turkmenistan | View |
DA381 | Chalcolithic Namazga, Turkmenistan | 3367 BCE | Geoksyur, Turkmenistan | View |
DA380 | Chalcolithic Namazga, Turkmenistan | 3366 BCE | Kara-Depe, Turkmenistan | View |
DA382 | Iron Age Turkmenistan | 916 BCE | Takhirbai 3, Turkmenistan | View |
DA379 | 3482 BCE | Kara-Depe, Turkmenistan | View | |
DA380 | 3366 BCE | Kara-Depe, Turkmenistan | View | |
DA381 | 3367 BCE | Geoksyur, Turkmenistan | View | |
DA382 | 916 BCE | Takhirbai 3, Turkmenistan | View | |
DA383 | 3400 BCE | Takhirbai 3, Turkmenistan | View | |
MA2195 | 1400 CE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2196 | 1400 CE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2197 | 335 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2198 | 335 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2200 | 1750 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2203 | 1750 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2205 | 2000 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2206 | 2000 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2208 | 2000 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2210 | 2750 BCE | Ovaören, Turkey | View | |
MA2212 | 2750 BCE | Ovaören, Turkey | View | |
MA2213 | 2750 BCE | Ovaören, Turkey | View | |
I3426 | 2291 BCE | Okunev Ulus, Russia | View | |
I3427 | 2459 BCE | Okunev Ulus, Russia | View | |
I8743 | 9649 BCE | Sidelkino, Russia | View | |
Yamnaya | 3016 BCE | Karagash, Kazakhstan | View | |
BOT14 | 3517 BCE | Botai, Kazakhstan | View | |
BOT15 | 3345 BCE | Botai, Kazakhstan | View | |
BOT2016 | 3516 BCE | Botai, Kazakhstan | View | |
DA245 | 6069 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA246 | 5884 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA247 | 5837 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA248 | 5762 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA249 | 5987 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA250 | 5524 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA251 | 5471 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA252 | 5473 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA253 | 5371 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA334 | 2284 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA335 | 2500 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA336 | 2500 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA337 | 2461 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA338 | 2500 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA339 | 2200 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA340 | 5217 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View | |
DA341 | 5714 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View | |
DA342 | 3793 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View | |
DA344 | 3945 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View | |
DA345 | 3637 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View | |
DA354 | 2856 BCE | Kurma XI, Russia | View | |
DA355 | 3644 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View | |
DA357 | 5981 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View | |
DA358 | 2883 BCE | Kurma XI, Russia | View | |
DA359 | 5713 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View | |
DA360 | 2878 BCE | Kurma XI, Russia | View | |
DA362 | 5362 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
EBA1 | 2286 BCE | Gregorievka 2, Kazakhstan | View | |
EBA2 | 2622 BCE | Sjolpan 4, Kazakhstan | View | |
RISE515 | 2343 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View | |
RISE516 | 2201 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View | |
RISE667 | 2900 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View | |
RISE670 | 2191 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View | |
RISE671 | 2900 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View | |
RISE672 | 2900 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View | |
RISE673 | 2900 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View | |
RISE674 | 2284 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View | |
RISE675 | 2857 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View | |
RISE677 | 2659 BCE | Uybat III, Russia | View | |
RISE680 | 2900 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View | |
RISE681 | 2900 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View | |
RISE683 | 2138 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View | |
RISE684 | 2463 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View | |
RISE685 | 2900 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View | |
RISE718 | 2573 BCE | Sayan Mountain. Minusinskaya Intermountain Basin. Syda 5, Russia | View | |
RISE719 | 2900 BCE | Sayan Mountain. Minusinskaya Intermountain Basin. Syda 5, Russia | View | |
RISE662 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2291 BCE | Okunev-Ulus (Republic of Khakassia, Ust-Abakansky District, Okunev Ulus), Russia | View |
RISE664 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2459 BCE | Okunev-Ulus (Republic of Khakassia, Ust-Abakansky District, Okunev Ulus), Russia | View |
Sidelkino | Hunter-Gatherer Sidelkino, Russia | 9649 BCE | Sidelkino-Mayak (Samara Oblast, Chelno-Vershinskiy District, Sidel'kino), Russia | View |
Sample ID | Culture/Period | Date | Location | Action |
---|---|---|---|---|
DA341 | Eneolithic Lokomotiv, Russia | 5714 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View |
DA359 | Eneolithic Lokomotiv, Russia | 5713 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View |
DA340 | Eneolithic Lokomotiv, Russia | 5217 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View |
DA357 | Eneolithic Lokomotiv, Russia | 5981 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View |
Ancient genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (DA341) with present-day reference populations. These results show what percentage of the individual's genetic makeup resembles ancient populations from different geographic regions.
Modern genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (DA341) with present-day reference populations. These results show what percentage of the individual's genetic makeup resembles modern populations from different geographic regions.
These results complement the ancient ancestry components shown in the previous section, offering a different perspective on the individual's genetic profile by comparing it with modern reference populations rather than prehistoric ancestral groups.
The G25 coordinates for the sample DA341 are as follows. You can analyze its admixture using G25 Studio.
DA341,0.0329226,-0.41180784,0.09742452,-0.02204174,-0.08148392,-0.04838552,0.01043704,0.01384236,0.01034508,0.01176064,0.00756008,0.00206506,-0.00075808,-0.00327172,-0.01423458,-0.0164028,-0.00782942,0.01094196,0.0202692,0.01128622,0.02153346,-0.0275416,0.00223452,0.00600236,0.01351512
The first horse herders and the impact of early Bronze Age steppe expansions into Asia
The Yamnaya expansions from the western steppe into Europe and Asia during the Early Bronze Age (~3000 BCE) are believed to have brought with them Indo-European languages and possibly horse husbandry. We analyzed 74 ancient whole-genome sequences from across Inner Asia and Anatolia and show that the Botai people associated with the earliest horse husbandry derived from a hunter-gatherer population deeply diverged from the Yamnaya. Our results also suggest distinct migrations bringing West Eurasian ancestry into South Asia before and after, but not at the time of, Yamnaya culture. We find no evidence of steppe ancestry in Bronze Age Anatolia from when Indo-European languages are attested there. Thus, in contrast to Europe, Early Bronze Age Yamnaya-related migrations had limited direct genetic impact in Asia.