Some issues in the study of medieval belt sets worn by Turkic warriors

Abstract

This article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the belt accessories worn by Turkic warriors in the Eurasian steppes in the 5^th-15^th centuries. Based on a summary of some of the archaeological materials discovered in local cultural and historical areas (Altai, Eastern Kazakhstan, Zhetysu, Volga-Ural, Caspian Sea region, and North Caucasus), the article examines the main typological, structural, and ornamental characteristics of the belt sets worn by Turkic warriors. The article attempts to systematize the main morphological types of buckles, plaques, pendants, and belt details, identifying five chronologically related horizons in the development of belt sets. Particular attention is paid to issues of ethnocultural attribution, cross-cultural influences between Turkic, Chinese, Sogdian, and Iranian-Caucasian craft traditions, and the social semantics of belts, which have made it possible to reconstruct social stratification and symbolic functions among Turkic warriors. The study reveals the social status semantics of belts as markers of power, as well as belonging to the military elite and clan identity. The work aims to create a unified scientific basis for subsequent metallographic, typological-statistical, and source studies. The aim of the study is to comprehensively compile and scientifically analyze materials on the belt sets of Turkic warriors of the 5^th-15^th centuries in order to identify the main typological groups, chronological horizons, and social status functions, as well as to analyze the cross-cultural influences of certain elements of the belt set. The following methods were used in the study: technological analysis allows us to determine the thickness of the metal, the nature of the casting, traces of tools, the use of various techniques (e.g., cloisonné enamel, embossing, inlay, granulation, etc.) characteristic of certain regional craft centers, and “imported” influences—casting, stamping, embossing, cloisonné enamel, and inlay; The comparative-historical method helps to compare Turkic toreutics with Chinese analogues, Sogdian belt sets, Iranian and Caucasian samples, which allows us to clarify the origin and chronology of hand-relief processing of metal artworks, revealing cultural contacts and the degree of influence of other cultures; Semiotic analysis of ornamentation made it possible to study the symbolism of animal styles, heraldic motifs, and national mythological images of belt set elements, revealing the ideological and status components of its owner and other methods.