The use of space in steppe pastoralist winter camps - an ethnoarchaeological point of view

According to archaeological data, the transition from a semi-sedentary economy to nomadic pastoralism occurred in the early or middle Bronze Age. Presumably, the reason for this decisive change and the rapid spread of nomadic pastoralism as a "winning economic strategy" in the steppe regions of Central Asia was climate change. When studying nomadism, archeology and history are faced with the problem of lack of sources. In this regard, observations of the daily life of nomads are of particular importance. Modern steppe nomadism, even taking into account the changes that have taken place, retains traditional features that can be considered a direct heritage of ancient cattle breeding. Modern steppe nomadism, even taking into account the changes that have taken place, retains traditional features that can be considered a direct legacy of ancient cattle breeding. The author of the article participated in a number of international projects on the study of modern nomadism in Mongolia and Siberia, aimed at preserving information before this way of life changes or disappears. The research focused on winter encampments, which in the colder months are crucial for the survival of nomads and their livestock. Based on the conducted research, the attributes of winter camps that meet the daily needs of nomads are identified. Winter camps are stationary, located in the mountains in well-protected areas. When placing camps, suitable (not stony) soils, availability of pastures, sources of water, salt, fuel, roads, sometimes proximity to the village, neighborhood of friends, relatives are important. An integral part of winter encampments is a yurt for housing and cattle pens. The camp also contains a wooden storeroom; one or two poles for tying horses; a spot for manure used as fuel; a site for slaughtering and butchering animals. These objects, the distance between which is no more than 40-50 steps, divide the macrospace of the camp into functional zones. The spatial organization of the yurt and the camp as a whole, combining functional and symbolic criteria, meets the needs and is adapted to the nomadic way of life. Direct observation of nomadic life, supplemented by surveys in which they express their opinions on everyday issues, is a research strategy that allows to identify patterns of development of steppe cattle breeding, its regional differences, and create a model of the nomad lifestyle necessary for the study of their distant past and understanding of the prospects in the future.

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